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The Cottage by the Sea, 


MRS. JAMES CAREY COALE. 





BALTIMORE : 

JOHN MURPHY & COMPANY, 
1896. 





Copyright, 1896, by Mrs. James Carey Coale. 




1 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


TN a sea-coast hamlet in Maine, dwelt Eobert 
^ Grant and his only sister Nelly. These two 
individuals, who are of special interest in this nar- 
rative, were the only children of their parents, who 
had died a couple of years previous to the date of 
this story. 

The* mother, dying after her husband, had left 
them to the care of each other. Her experience 
had made her realize that men require the care of 
the female sex almost as much as women do theirs. 

Eob was just of age, and his sister was two years 
younger than he. They were pretty well equipped 
for lifers journey by a good plain school education, 
and the blessing of fine constitutions and good 
mental capacities, and they had also had a very fair 
moral training. Eob was a tall robust youth, fresh 
and fair in complexion, with a frank expression, 
which was not belied by his character and qualities. 

3 


4 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


But we must now call attention to this^ their 
native village, which was right on the sea, for it 
was here that they both first saw the light. The 
situation on the two sides of this little place was 
pleasantly diversified by green hills, through which 
flowed a stream of considerable size, and from whose 
tops could be seen a smiling valley, and, in the 
distance, the noble range of the White Mountains ; 
and above, and over all, towered that monarch of 
hills. Mount Washington. This grand mountain 
is one of Nature^s kings. Our great first President 
of the same family name, as we know, refused to be 
made king over this beautiful country, which he 
loved so well as to be willing to lay down his life 
for its sake. No man can do more than that. We 
have heroes still existing, thank Heaven, even in 
this prosaic age of the world. Our firemen are 
among those of the new dispensation ; for their roles 
are to save precious life, and not like heroes of the 
olden times, to destroy it. To save one^s country, 
it is permitted by a great Creator that human life 
mayJ^e sacrificed, and in the destruction which 
follows, seed may be sown for a fruitful and glorious 
harvest to mankind. But let us hope and pray, and 
try to hasten the day when the Scripture prophecy 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


5 


shall come to pass, promising peace and prosperity, 
and when all creation shall rejoice in His favor. 

But to return to the village of Seaport — for so 
was it called — with its numerous fisher folk and 
other toilers ; for, with the exception of a few gospel 
ministers, and a couple of doctors, and a lawyer, the 
village was devoid of all other professional people. 
A town in the near vicinity was a source of supply 
of all the demands for means of pleasure and culti- 
vation. This place — during colonial times — had 
had some small importance in being a depot for the 
fitting out of whaling vessels. The trade of the 
town had dwindled very much, gradually, as kero- 
sene was more and more used for lighting and other 
purposes, and other sources of oil being discovered 
than that of the aquatic monsters. So the poor 
beasts were allowed to rest, for a time, at least. 
There has always been a mysterious romance about 
the monarch of the deep, particularly as we are 
told, on good authority, that one of them, selected 
by the Creator of the universe, swallowed Jonah. 
Is it not reasonable to suppose that poor Jonah 
must have been in an almost insensible condition 
whilst he was an inmate of this wonderful animal ? 
Are we not sometimes ourselves in this state, because 


6 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


of disobedience to our enlightened convictions, that 
we become bound up, and feel as only half alive, 
and as though we might also be in the carcass of a 
fish? 

Robertas grandfather had made his son familiar 
with his stories of the wonders of the sea, and he 
had enjoyed so much recounting them to Rob — 
although not a seaman himself — that he awakened 
desire in the boy ; and as he could not be a whaler, 
he yet could be a fisherman, and though his avoca- 
tion would not be so exciting as in the first case, 
yet would in the present time be much more prof- 
itable. His daily business — weather permitting — 
took him out to an extended sail on the ocean, to 
such a distance only, however, that he would be 
able to return in a couple of days, not liking to 
leave Nelly for a longer time. He used to say to 
himself, if it were not for Nell I should go much 
farther ; but then, perhaps I might in the end fare 
worse, and besides what should I do without her?^^ 

Their little cottage was on a high cliff, fanned by 
land, as well as by sea breezes. It had a small 
porch oh^ either side, and was approached by a 
• road from the village, which passed over the hills 
to the town beyond, called Buxton. Nell had a 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


7 


fancy for vines, so the verandas were draped with 
some of the more hardy kinds, which she could coax 
to grow on this healthy but bleak spot. However, 
plants thrive well in good air, and after they had 
passed their infancy they generally did well. In 
midsummer those lovely fragile blossoms, the morn- 
ing-glories, covered the long trellis, which Nellyas 
friend, Stephen Green, had made for her. It 
screened the kitchen garden from the front of the 
cottage, and attracted the attention of every one 
passing, by the. beauty and the shades of the graceful 
flowers. 

Although almost too robust looking for actual 
beauty, Nell had bright eyes, a pretty mouth, and a 
sweet smile which disclosed perfect teeth. Her 
skin, though embrowned by the sun and air, showed 
such perfect condition of health ; and her vigor and 
lightness on her feet, which comes from strength 
and good spirits, made her cheering and animating 
to all who saw her. 


8 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


CHAPTER II. 



S Nelly came down from the porch, her brother 


entered a gate leading from the sands, with a 
string of unusually fine mackerel, trout and other 
fish, so fresh and alive that it seemed a pity, almost, 
to remove their beautiful scales. She called out to 
him : How glad I am, and how lucky it is, that 
you caught such good kinds this time, as Miss 
Agnes is coming to-day to dine here. She says she 
always gets the freshest and better fish here than 
elsewhere.^^ 

^^I am truly pleased, Nelly, when I can serve 
Miss Agnes in any way, but you know all about 
that. She is what I call a lady, and a perfect woman 
too. Why, Nell, I would be glad to risk my life 
for Miss Agncs.^^ 

Agnes and Rob were nursed together by Rob^s 
mother. Mrs. Sonirnerville, mother to Agnes, was 
born in England, and had lived there until she was 
married. She brought over to primitive Maine her 
ideas of raising infants. We are now going back 
some years in our story, when Rob and Agnes and 
Nelly were all children. Mrs. Sommerville, being 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


9 


a delicate woman, decided that Mary Grant would 
prove a healthier nurse to her fragile little daughter 
than she herself would. Although it was a great 
trial to her, she resigned the vocation of feeding her 
child to another, and was doubtless wise in so doing. 
As little Agnes lived altogether in the cottage, and 
was in the open air nearly all the time when the 
weather was suitable, a marked improvement in the 
child was observed, which rewarded her mother for 
her great self-denial. Asleep or awake, Mary Grant 
was devoted to her charge. She was faithful by 
nature, and was a good wife and attentive mother, 
and of a bright, cheerful disposition. Little Rob 
was let run as soon as he was able to stand on 
his sturdy legs, and Sukey, the cow, served as 
his source — from that time — for nutriment. This 
cow was rescued from a herd of Jerseys that 
had been wrecked from a vessel, by Rob’s father. 
Nelly loved the bonny beast, and did her justice in 
milking her when only a dozen years old, for her 
hands were strong and supple, and she could milk 
as well as could Lolly, the maid. Sukey was not 
the only cow owned by the family, for there were 
others of less repute, and many prints of sweet, 
golden butter were made from the cream and 


10 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


sought for by the neighborhood, Mrs. Sommerville 
taking the greater part. 

After several years more, Nelly aspired to have 
a hen-house of her own, which she made a model 
of cleanliness. She would not let little Miss Agnes 
go into a place that was not sweet and clean, and 
the little girl, who was a year older than Nelly, 
loved to see the white ducks, speckled fowls and 
lazy turkeys, especially when Nelly fed them. The 
latter were the plague of the poor girPs life. The 
hen birds are inefficient mothers; they prefer to 
roost in high trees, and let the young ones look 
out for themselves. Comparatively few turkeys 
would be raised if the trusty common hens were 
not available. When they outgrew them, it was 
Nellyas charge to look after the half-grown turkeys. 
She used to say that the turkey mothers were like 
some ladies she had heard of, who were very fine, 
but wished to be above all others, and even, their 
own children. But they had to come down at last, 
and be fed to repletion, to make them ready for 
market, an^hen they were as often eaten by the 
common sort as any other. 

Nelly was feeding her fowls, who were cackling 
and fighting, but notwithstanding the noise, she 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


11 


heard wheels on the gravel, and turned and saw 
Miss Agnes alighting from her phaeton, and the 
ponies standing quietly by. Agnes seldom forgot 
to pluck a handful of grass for Fancy and Fun, 
and they were evidently expecting it now. She 
remembered them, and then told the boy in the 
rumble to feed them well at home, and so dismissed 
him, with the assurance that Miss Nelly would 
bring her home in time, so that he need not wait. 

The two girls kissed each other, and now began 
the day of all the week to each of them. It was 
the one in which they were the happiest. It seemed 
as if they could not do enough for each other. 
The benefit of this friendship was mutual, for the 
refinement of ideas which one imparted was received 
by the other, and it did not have the effect of lifting 
her out of the sphere in which she had been placed, 
and in which she was contented, because she was 
good and happy. Nelly gave such true affection to 
her friends that it was a benefit to them on both sides. 
A true loving nature does bestow happiness to those, 
who have that in them, that is able to receive and ap- 
preciate kindness. The minds of some unfortunate 
people being so filled with either envy or jealousy, 
or both, there is no room for a better feeling. 


12 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


CHAPTER III. 



HILE Agnes and Nelly were picking berries 


» » in the little garden, a young man sauntered 
by, and his practiced eye being struck by the 
contrast between the two girls, he stopped and 
addressing Nell, said : Can you tell me, my pretty 
girl, where the inn, or tavern as you call it down 
here, may be situated ? 

Yes,’’ said Nell, I can tell you where what 
you call the inn up there is, but I am to be spoken 
to with respect, and not told I am pretty.” 

A smile dimpled the smooth cheek of Miss Agnes 
at Nell’s retort, and the stranger asked pardon of 
the spunky maid. 

She went out of the garden, and approaching the 
stranger, said : Do you see down there under those 
willows ? ” 

Certainly, I do,” replied he. 

There is the house of entertainment for man 
and beast, sir, and is right on the stream, for the 
convenient of those lazy swells, who come down 
from Boston to fish about here in these rivers. 
Why, some of them fish right out of the very 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


13 


windows and off the porches. Those shallows con- 
tain only small fry, but good enough for such as 
they. ^ Little fish must keep near shore, but larger 
ones may venture more,^ said Nell with a toss of 
her head. 

After the stranger had left, Rob, who had met 
him, came in and said ; Nell, who is that 
chap ? 

I cannot say, except that there is his card which 
reads, ^ Guy Huntington, Artist, Toronto.^ 

thought he was one of those John Bulls,^^ 
said her brother, who had no especial love for the 
people of our mother country. Nell, have nothing 
to say to artists. They are generally worthless, I 
believe.^^ 

Oh, how churlish you are, Rob ; but I am sure 
that Miss Agnes can tell what a man is.’^ 

Just then Agnes, who was rocking on the flowery 
porch, called out: ^^Do not be too sure, Nelly. 
It takes a much wiser head than mine to read a 
man.” 

Oh, Miss Agnes ! he could scarcely keep his 
eyes off you. I said to myself, * He has an eye in 
his head. He has never seen anyone to compare to 
her.’” 


14 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


Why, Nelly, you are a goose, if you will excuse 
me for saying so, for an artist sees real beauty con- 
stantly. He was only studying me artistically.^^ 
That may be, for if he caught the likeness, he 
would sell his picture better than any he had ever 
done in his life before. I would lay a wager on 
that.^^ 

A dog, now running up and barking joyously, 
was the precursor of his master, who had gone off a 
few moments before, and now returned to ask Miss 
Agnes if she would allow him to row her to her 
home, and remarked : There is a full moon to- 

night, which will make it more pleasant. You 
know, Nelly, Stephen Green has been playing his 
flute now a good deal, and would join us if you 
ask him.’^ Turning to Miss Agnes, he remarked : 

Whilst Stephen plays, Nell will take an oar, if 
she wishes ; but I can row four people as well as 
two any day.^^ 

They soon embarked, and started for the willows. 
The artist hailed them and asked for a seat. 

am sorry to say we are fuiy^ replied Eob, 
so cannot^lige you.^^ 

When Agnes was landed, Nell and Stephen 
waited — not at all against their will — at the pier 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


15 


until Rob delivered Agnes safely at her home. 
When he was again seated in the boat, and before 
they had gone any distance, their voices and the 
flute rang out on the moonlit air in a pretty boat- 
ing song. The artist heard the music, and when 
they reached the willows, he was there ready to go 
on board. When he was seated, he at once, in a 
beautiful tenor voice, sang a familiar air in which 
Nell and Rob joined ; but the flutist held his breath 
to hear, as he thought, the stranger^s wonderful 
tones. 

Although Nelly had naturally a good sweet voice, 
it was entirely untrained ; but as she and her brother 
were in the habit of singing together, their voices 
accorded, and with that of the artist made a melody 
which awoke the echoes along the hills. Stephen 
Green began to feel the difference between an expe- 
rienced man of the world and society and a young 
fisherman, though not an ordinary fellow. His 
having been Rob’s friend, he had, by association 
with him and his sister, imbibed considerable refine- 
ment of ideas and habits. Nelly had taken pains 
with him to encourage him in his improvement, 
and consequently he had become much attached 
to her. 


16 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


Mr. Huntington had now ceased singing, and 
began to entertain them by interesting talk of his 
experiences in many ways. As Nelly always wished 
to acquire knowledge, she listened very attentively 
and lost none of his conversation, and by her intel- 
ligent questions and remarks arrested the interest of 
the artist. This girl was not formed in an ordinary 
mould. Her father’s mother and other relatives 
had seen better days, and were people of some 
refinement and good education ; but reverses had 
come and her grandmother had married a worthy, 
but plain man. Nell resembled her in many 
respects, and as she was rather remarkable both 
in her appearance and a certain attraction, Nell 
had inherited that from her, which amounted to 
magnetism in the granddaughter. 

Rob, though glad to hear pleasant things, was 
more suspicious than his sister was, of strangers. But 
he had faith in Nelly’s prudence and in her spirit. 
She was undergoing not only a revelation of 
another’s mind, but a revolution of her own whole 
being. She never had had the privilege of talking 
to a man of such manners and education until now. 
Although the father of her friend Miss Agnes, Mr. 
Sommerville, had always noticed her, yet he treated 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


17 


her as a mere child, as he did his own little 
daughter. The artist had not only mingled with 
people of cultivation at home and abroad, but had 
also gone for artistic purposes among all classes. 
Therefore, he could suit himself to those whom he 
considered beneath him as well as to his equals, and 
to those of even higher rank than himself. Nell 
had points that attracted his curiosity. Her features 
were clearly cut, though not at all sharp, intimating 
better race or blood than her present condition 
would justify. It was a suggestion to the artist of 
some romance in the lives of her forefathers, and a 
question, where did these fine features originate 
Perhaps in a wilder and more talented race of 
people, now amalgamated with inferior ones. He 
admired her abundant waving hair, her form, grace- 
ful from its freedom, and her quick vivacity. But 
he knew from the flash of her eyes that he dared 
not trespass. Before the row was over he had made 
up his mind to aim for higher game, and to let 
good, honest Nelly alone. It was well for him that 
he had done so, for Rob was now on the watch, and 
heavy would the penalty have been, to be paid, for 
even trying to injure his sister. Young Green went 
home disconsolate; but it must be admitted that 
2 


18 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


Nelly felt elated by the attention which her attrac- 
tions generally, and her intelligence particularly, 
had elicited from this knight of the pencil. 


CHAPTER IV. 



‘HE following day, the skies being slightly 


^ overcast, Rob supposed it would be the right 
time for him to take a holiday — which this ener- 
getic and industrious worker scarcely ever allowed 
himself to do — and redeem his promise to his sister 
that he would take Miss Agnes and her for a day^s 
boating and fishing. Nelly proposed, on account of 
her friend, that her brother should invite the artist 
to join the expedition. Little did she know what 
the acceptance of this invitation involved to all, 
but especially to herself. So they rowed under the 
willows again, and found the artist busily sketching 
female figures; one resembling Miss Agnes, and 
several evidently drawn for Nelly. They all en- 
tered the-trig boat, and Guy Huntington, who was 
in the brightest spirits, was laughing and talking in 
the most jolly way. Putting up a small sail, they 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


19 


were soon at the pier ; and Young Grant springing 
up the bank quickly, was absent only a short time, 
and reappearing, said that Miss Agnes accepted the 
invitation most gladly, and would join them imme- 
diately. In a half hour, during which time even 
Rob was absorbed by the conversation between Nell 
and Mr. Huntington, Agnes appeared in a pretty 
boating rig, with fishing tackle of the most approved 
sort, and accompanied by her father. Mr. Somrner- 
ville congratulated them on their pleasant expecta- 
tions for the day, and offered to send his boatman 
in case the wind should lull so much that it would 
be necessary to row. Rob said : Oh, no danger 
of that to-day, Mr. Sommerville, but we may have 
to use the oars on account of too much wind for 
sails in so small a boat.^^ Rob Grant had had 
experience as a fisherman, and of course knew the 
signs of the weather well. However,^’ said he, 
‘Hwo men and Nell can manage this boat, even 
should there be a squall, so we will decline your 
kind offer, though I am sure, sir, with many 
thanks.^^ Grant^s surmise was sooner realized than 
they anticipated ; for before long it began to blow 
rather fresh for a sail, as was said, in so small a 
craft. Rob and Nell each took an oar, and though she 


20 


THE COTl^AGE BY THE SEA. 


was not really so strong, yet she could second him 
remarkably well, as she was practiced and skilful. 

Nelly Grant loved Agnes, and she tried not to 
listen to what Guy was saying with so much ani- 
mation to her ; but her frequent ripples of laughter 
evinced her enjoyment of his talk, for, indeed, few 
could surpass him in conversational powers, when 
aroused as they were now, by the appreciation of his 
wit, and the response from the pretty Agnes, who 
was looking unusually well. She had a becoming 
hat, which just gave her what she needed in height 
and finish to her rather petite features. 

Nelly, who had turned round in the boat, called 
out : Oh, look ! look behind ! A cloud was com- 
ing rapidly, and soon as rapidly spread, and the 
wind, which had freshened very much, was fast 
changing to a gale. The smallest sail was raised 
on the boat, for it was now altogether too rough to 
row. Under this they sped before the wind, and 
all seemed rather to enjoy it, except Guy Huntington. 
He began to feel sick, and turned deathly pale. 
His delic^e constitution had always made him fear 
high or rough winds. Eob, who was not accustomed 
to men of this sort, could not help indicating sur- 
prise, as he thought the artist was decidedly showing 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


21 


the white feather. At this time the wind changed 
so suddenly, that the boat was careened, and before 
it could be recovered, was capsized. Nelly, who 
was an expert swimmer, and almost as strong as her 
brother, in the water, struck out, and Kob, seizing 
Agnes, whose light weight did not impede him 
much, although encumbered with his clothes, began 
to make off towards the land. The artist, after 
clinging to the boat, lost his hold and his head at 
the same time, threw his arms around Nell, who 
was now, in the gale and the rough waves, struggling 
almost for life. Let go,^^ shouted her brother to 
Huntington, ^^or I will kill you. If not now, 
hereafter.^^ 

The artist, beside himself with terror, only held 
the girl more tightly. Nell, knowing that they 
would both be drowned if he did not let go, with a 
superhuman effort shook herself free, and catching 
a plank that was passing, swam with it to Guy, 
who was almost faint. She made him hold to the 
plank, and went on as fast as she could, and kept 
him from falling off by calling to him, and rousing 
him, until she reached the nearest boat, which was 
coming to their assistance. With the help of the 
boatman they succeeded in getting the artist in. 


22 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


who was now completely exhausted, Rob following, 
bearing Agnes on one arm, and swimming with the 
other. He was obliged to go slowly, but at last 
reached the cliff. As he stepped ashore and put 
her under the care of a woman standing near, she 
cast on him a look of gratitude which Rob could 
never forget. Oh, Miss Agnes ! Miss Agnes ! 
What will your father say to all of us ? 

What can he say to you,^^ replied she, except 
testify his lifelong gratitude, for saving the life of 
his daughter ? 

Nelly was much concerned about the artist. He 
had somewhat revived, but was looking terribly 
upset; but Agnes was as yet even dearer to her 
than he was. Rob, seeing how woe-begone he 
looked, rubbed him down ; and this kindness did 
both of them good, as the exertion brought his 
circulation in play also. One of our finest poets 
says : Mercy is twice blessed, both to the giver 

and to the receiver.^^ 

Hailing a passing seaman, he borrowed his flask 
of spirits, as his had been washed away, and induced 
Miss Somtnerville to swallow a little of its contents. 
He also not only insisted upon Nell following the 
example of Agnes but gave the artist some also. 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


23 


and then wound up by taking a small quantity 
himself. So, warmed and somewhat cheered by the 
draught of spirits, Rob ran to the village, all wet 
as he was, and obtained a horse on which he rode 
without saddle — so great was his haste — to the 
house of Mr. Sommerville, and soon returned with 
the good news that, although her father was from 
home, a vehicle with fresh clothes and wraps would 
be on hand as soon as possible. When the carriage 
arrived, in a short time, Agnes insisted upon Nelly’s 
sharing some of the garments, although the most 
of them were not large enough for her well devel- 
oped frame. They had repaired to a cottage, when 
Rob had left them, and had been steaming by the 
fire, so now they were ready for the changes which 
were rapidly made ; and Agnes despatched, with the 
faithful Rob on her carriage box, to see her actually 
delivered in safety to her home. 

After her friend was in the way of being made 
more comfortable, Nelly began to turn her thoughts 
to the man whose life she had saved. She ran 
along the sands, and there saw the print of slender 
bare feet. How sorry I am for him,” she thought. 
^^He is so delicately formed that he cannot help 
being more nervous than a working man would be.” 


24 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


She followed swiftly, and saw him from a distance 
enter the door of the inn. She knew that she 
could do nothing more for him, so began to think 
at last of herself. She knew also that Agnes would 
attend to Eob’s getting dry garments from some of 
the men at her house, and see that he was properly 
cared for ; so now, she was at liberty to wend her 
way home, and being much beloved by her little 
maiden who helped her with her every-day tasks 
and employments, hot blankets and tea, and all 
things necessary, were furnished for her comfort as 
soon as possible. She had scarcely time to take a 
slight nap, when there was a whistle which woke 
her from her sleep of exhaustion. But as Rob 
came in, he cried out : Keep your bed, dear Nelly, 
and do not think of rising ; and approaching her 
bedside, gave her a kiss, saying : If anyone de- 
served rest, you do, my brave, good girl.^^ 

This voluntary caress pleased his affectionate 
sister more than anything Rob could have given 
her. She often asked him to kiss her by way of 
cultivating his affectional nature. He had been 
in the habit of saluting his mother, of whom he 
was very fond, and who idolized him. ‘^Oh, dear 
Rob,^^ she said, ^^how have you stood all this 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


25 


excitement and exertion ? You look so wonderfully 
well ; but you must be very tired, and why not lie 
down and take a sleep ? 

Kob, with a merry laugh, said : Why, sister 
dear, did you ever know me guilty of such a thing 
as being in bed in the daytime ? I could not sleep ; 
I should feel out of my element, as a fish out of the 
water does.^^ 

How happy they were together, these two young 
people, and partly on account of their mutual respect 
for the kind and unselfish qualities, which each 
possessed. Such affection is all enduring, and is 
founded on what cannot be shaken. Good temper, 
forbearance and industry, are what make happiness 
and real homes. 

O, brother ! said Nelly, if you are not worn 
out, will you do me a favor ? ’’ 

Ask it, sister, and it is done.’^ 

Will you go to the inn and see after poor Mr. 
Huntington ? 

Pshaw, Nell, what does it matter what becomes 
of such a cowardly man ? ’’ 

^^Oh, no! Not cowardly, but only the natural 
feeling of a man very delicately organized. Do, 


26 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


dear Rob, for my sake, go and see him, and come 
and tell me how he fares.^^ 

^^Now, Nell, because you saved his life, there is 
no need of your giving him anything. He ought 
to bestow upon you an independent fortune, if your 
father’s daughter, or your brother’s sister, would 
accept such gifts, which '1 think will not be, in this 
case at any rate.” 

So Rob rather unwillingly, though not sullenly, 
took his way to the inn and found the artist in his 
bed, with a flushed face, and a doctor from Buxton 
standing beside him. Guy had requested that a 
physician should be brought from the nearest large 
town. 

So, Rob,” said the doctor, moving to the other 
side of the room and speaking in a low tone, this 
young man has a very high fever, and I must have 
a nurse for him for the night. From where can I 
get one ? I cannot have one sent from the Buxton 
hospital before to-morrow ; but he will need much 
attention at once, and during the night. I remain 
in the inn until to-morrow myself,” said the 
pompous, tbbugh small man, ‘^but I must have 
a nurse. What shall I do ? What do you advise. 
Grant?” 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


27 


will come myself, doctor, and bring one of 
our maids, who is somewhat a hand in nursing.’’ 

^^Good for you,” said Dr. Bell, for he feared 
much that he would have to sit up all night himself. 

Rob had a kind heart under his jacket, and he 
had his reward in the future for this very act. 

Well, doctor, I hope it is not a serious matter,” 
said Rob. 

Well, well, we will see,” replied the cautious 
doctor. 

I shall,” said Rob to himself, give him all the 
ice and ice water that he wants, no matter what the 
doctor says about that. One’s common sense dic- 
tates that at any rate, and I believe in common 
sense.” So the kind Rob carried out his good 
intentions with zeal ; and it was principally owing 
to his judgment and his watchfulness, that the fever 
was much quelled by morning. 

The doctor seemed much surprised, and appar- 
ently disappointed, when he felt his patient’s 
pulse. The little man had hoped to turn a good 
many honest pennies, in this case of illness, and 
although he wished his patient to get well eventu- 
ally, he did not wish too rapid an end to the case. 
So Mr. Huntington was in for a tedious spell ; but 


28 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


from Rob’s intelligent care, aided by a trained 
young woman as nurse, from a hospital in one of 
the neighboring towns, he stood a much better 
chance of recovering less slowly, than if he had 
been left to the old time ideas of the doctor. 


CHAPTER V. 



FTER a couple of weeks had elapsed, the 


artist, leaning on Rob’s stout arm, the nurse, 
bringing easy chair and cushions to the veranda, soon 
had him comfortably seated. He was delighted to 
get out once more into the warm sunshine and 
pleasant air, scented with the sweet perfume of 
roses and honeysuckles which grew profusely 
around the porch of the inn. The following day 
Rob took Nelly to sit with him, and she was pleased 
to be of service to him and he more than pleased 
to have her read to him, and in a few days to bring 
him delicacies made by herself, in the most approved 
fashion. ^ 

During these days of convalescence, in entertain- 
ing each other, Nelly would sing to him her simple 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


29 


songs and he narrated stories, original and other- 
wise, quoted poetry and then, when he grew strong 
enough, read to her parts that he thought would 
suit her taste, of Shakespeare^s plays. All this was 
to the girl the seventh heaven of enjoyment ; and 
when, after he had begun to grow much better, 
though his voice was not yet very strong but sweet 
and sympathetic, he sang to her, and her soul melted 
within her. Can any one wonder, that she lost her 
heart completely? He sent to one of the larger 
towns for a guitar and a violin, and accompanied 
himself with one in singing, and played the other, 
in Nellyas opinion, most divinely, which gave the 
poor girl great delight. 

Guy, seeing her twice every day, grew so accus- 
tomed to her pleasant company that when, as he 
grew stronger, she ceased coming constantly, he 
asked her why she absented herself. 

have been lazy lately,^^ she replied, ^^and I 
must not leave all my work for our good Martha 
to do any longer.^^ 

NelPs image had effaced entirely that of Miss 
Agnes in the mind of the artist. 

^^No, Nellie, you must never soil your hands 
again with work. See how white and soft they are, 


30 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


now that you have ceased toiling. Nelly, look at 
me. Do you comprehend me — that I want you for 
myself ; that I cannot do without you two hours 
together? How can I win you, dearest of women, 
to go with me to Paris as my beloved, respected 
wife ? 

NelPs pretty eyes opened wide, and then a flood 
of tears dimmed them, so that Guy arose and sat 
beside her, holding her hand and pillowing her 
curly head upon his shoulder. 

Oh, Guy ! how have I deserved this of God^s 
^ mercy and of you? Are you certain that you love 
poor Nelly, and that you will not tire of her? I 
am not worthy to become your wife. I need educa- 
tion, cultivation, accomplishments and other things 
to be worthy of that high position.’’ 

^‘You have both mental capacity and ability, my 
dear girl, and that will be all right. I do love 
you — so devotedly that I cannot spare you to any- 
one else. How can I help loving so sweet, so 
lovely and so loving a person? I will be true to 
you until death, if you will take me.” 

Her brother, coming soon after to relieve her, 
saw that she had undergone much emotion from 
some cause, and he, suspecting what it was, sent 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


31 


her home, and then Guy asked young Grant for his 
sister in marriage. 

‘‘ What Nelly says, I suppose, I must say, and if 
she accepts you, you are aware that you will deprive 
me, Mr. Huntington, of my greatest treasure. There 
are few men whom I know, who are worthy of her, 
and God grant that you may prove to be so.^^ 

^^Oh, Eob,’^ said the artist, ‘^you must sell out 
here in a year or so, and come over also to the old 
country. You can rise there.^^ 

Oh, no, sir. This is the country to rise in, and 

I have but little of such ambition. What I wish, 

is to be able to serve the Lord by helping His crea- 
tures, and as I now work for a living for myself, 
I trust the time will come when I can work for 

others also. May He bless you, as you treat my 

dear sister.^^ 

The artist seemed to take this from Rob good- 
naturedly, though he really thought him a great 
bore, and was rather glad he declined to come to 
the old country. Huntington was abundantly able 
in his means to marry, and, as he intended going 
abroad, in order to both study and practise his art, 
he had already concluded some months previously, 
to take up his abode in some of the European 


.32 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


capitals. He would have preferred to take Nelly 
on other terms than in marriage, and would have 
liked to induce her to elope with him ; but he soon 
found that that was impossible. This conviction 
gave Guy confidence in her character, and increased 
his respect, and was a great inducement to him to 
make her his wife. 

Men of irregular lives, and who do not possess 
steadfast principles themselves, are generally sus- 
picious of women ; and here was, as he thought, a 
test of her stability and virtue. I am sorry to have 
to say that, generally, American men are exceptions 
to those of other large nations in the respect which 
is shown by them to the female sex. Loose ideas 
prevail in the European capitals, especially among 
the highest and lowest classes, except in Ireland, 
where the chastity of the Roman Catholic peasants 
speaks well for the care with which the young are 
taught the true meaning of virtue, and where honor 
on the Church is reflected, whose priests instruct 
the ignorant on that particular part of their duty. 

We trust that better times are coming, and at 
present there are so many noble men and women 
who, by speech and writing and personal effort, are 
helping to hasten those days when the poor hands. 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


33 


which are now raised in supplication, will be held 
up to praise and to thank Heaven that, through 
the minds and hearts of these valiant people, they 
have been prompted to come out and march under 
the banner of true equal rights, thereby protecting 
young females from demons in the shape of men 
and women. 


CHAPTER VI. 



NE bright day in October, when all Nature 


seemed propitious, a wedding procession was 
ushered into the little church which stood on the 
outskirts of the village; and Nelly, looking fresh 
and sweet in simple but becoming attire, and which 
was pronounced by Miss Agnes to be in perfect taste, 
walked up the aisle beside her brother, followed 
by the girl (who had nursed Guy), and Stephen 
Green, and was met at the altar by Guy Huntington. 
Miss Agnes graced the occasion with her presence, 
as did her father, though looking sad at the idea of 
parting with her lifelong friend. As soon as possi- 
ble, poor young Green escaped into the background. 


3 


34 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


as the girl he had walked up with had Rob to stand 
with her. 

Nelly had received an elegant dressing case with 
expensive furnishings, and as it had no card or 
name with it, she strongly suspected that Stephen 
had appropriated his saved earnings for that pur- 
pose. Poor boy, he had expected to take his bride 
on a nice journey, when the happy day should 
arrive to begin his wedding tour. 

After the ceremony was over, our Nelly, now 
Mrs. Huntington, turned around as soon as possible 
and beckoned to Stephen, who was looking very 
disconsolate; thus showing her consideration for 
others, even in this supreme moment of her life. 
She held out her hand and said cheerfully : Do 
not forget your promise to come over to France 
when my brother comes, Mr. Green.^^ 

That kind invitation just saved the poor fellow 
from sheer despair. She had told him there were 
other things beside love for men, and for women 
too, and he must improve himself in every way 
possible, and then come over and see the world. 

Both ^r. Sommerville and Agnes had made 
Nelly beautiful and substantial gifts to perfect her 
outfit and trousseau. There is nearly always, in 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


35 


this imperfect life, something to mar perfect bliss. 
Nelly, although being very happy — having a warm 
heart — felt the separation from her brother and 
from her dear Agnes. Guy was in very good health 
and spirits now, and exerted himself to win her 
away from these sad thoughts. It would not have 
been in her nature to forget others on account of 
her being happy herself. But seeing her husband 
so amiable, she devoted herself to him, making 
every preparation possible for his comfort during 
the ocean trip. 

The sea breezes soon brought color to the faces 
which had been so pale, one from unusual emotion 
and the other from illness. In sitting and musing 
on these later and strange occurrences, the bride 
would love to fancy her husband as a knight at the 
head of a troop of horse, charging the enemy and 
leading them on to victory. Sometimes she would 
imagine him rushing before an unruly horse to save 
life. Either destroying or saving life, she scarcely 
cared which, so that he only showed courage. She 
was not aware of his moral cowardice, which would 
mar her peace for years of her young life. 

When, after a short and safe voyage, they at last 
arrived in Paris, and were fortunate enough in find- 


36 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


ing a house which suited them, although in rather 
a dingy street, which, however, had width and some 
other things to relieve its monotony. Guy, having 
been in Europe several times and spent months 
in Paris, had acquaintances there, and, having re- 
quested a list of the best modistes from the wife of 
an artist friend, accompanied Nelly himself to 
choose her gowns and all that she required. When 
dressed in some of these attires, she bloomed out 
quite a beauty. Her affable but modest manner 
elicited the admiration of the people who are con- 
sidered to have the finest taste in women and dress. 
She soon became more accustomed to society, and 
any want of ease that she betrayed was ascribed only 
to a want of knowledge of the language, rather 
than to the facts of the case. 

Her husband had shown a great deal of patience 
and good judgment in the selection of her habili- 
ments. His artistic eye had seized at once upon the 
colors which would suit her complexion and style, 
and she had assisted in selecting the materials. 
Though she was enjoying all this gayety, she knew 
that she "had work before her, and must not allow 
herself to be drawn into mere amusement, when 
her intellect was really so far from being up to the 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


37 


standard in knowledge and development. So she 
began to study industriously, under good masters, 
the French language, general history, literature, 
music, and even philosophy. She evinced a peculiar 
taste for the last study. Among her favorite vol- 
umes were Plutarch’s Lives, as great examples both 
of worthy and unworthy men who had lived in the 
past but who had close representatives in the present. 

Her talent for music was undoubted, and, as her 
ambition and enthusiasm were so roused, she made 
rapid progress, and in a surprisingly short time her 
husband and she were in great demand at soirees and 
entertainments, in order to contribute their share. 
Their ^^at homes” were pronounced delightful, as 
they were very obliging, and sang both solos and 
duos, to the gratification of their friends. Their 
apartments, as has been said, were in rather an old, 
gloomy street ; but, being near the river, a beautiful 
white marble bridge lighted up the landscape. The 
gleaming river, with its associations, for by this 
time she had learned many interesting facts of 
French history, and of Paris and the Seine, and her 
fancy would people those boats on the water with 
knights and ladies of olden times, when truer 
chivalry reigned in France than at the present time. 


38 


THE COTTAGE BY TPIE SEA. 


Guy was still attentive, and spent his evenings at 
home, or else accompanied her to entertainments, of 
both public and private character. Of course, he 
devoted himself to others when in society, but 
always saw that she was well attended to. Nelly 
was very happy at this period, and her health and 
spirits improved each week of her life. Some of 
the wives of the English and American artists pro- 
fessed to hold their heads above Nelly, having heard 
that Mr. Huntington had married a woman who 
was not in the same rank of life with himself. 
Most foreigners, who regard all who are not noble 
on the same level, shrugged their shoulders and 
laughingly would say, wlien these ladies made those 
adverse remarks: ^‘Ah, but Madam Huntington 
is so charming, and Monsieur so talented. Their 
house is the resort of all the most agreeable people. 
One meets there no one who is uncultivated — no 
vulgarians ; and not so many commonplace people 
as usual. Unlike your American talk, money is 
not spoken of, but only delightful things which it 
procures. And the tone of the house is so simple 
and so c^dial. Oh, they are refreshing in their 
fondness for each other. She really possesses the 
truest refinement, proceeding from her good, kind 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


39 


heart and sincere sympathy for others. She is 
simply charming in every respect.^^ 


CHAPTER VII. 

OO Nelly at last became the fashion, and Guy 
^ was really proud of his wife. He had painted 
her in various poses, and she being one of the finest 
models in Paris, and sitting only to him, gave him 
an advantage over the other artists, who were very 
desirous to have her sit for them, in various charac- 
ters and situations. A sculptor requested it, as a 
great favor, that he might take the model of her 
form, and make from it a statue to be placed on the 
sarcophagus of a queen, which was a very important 
order which he had but recently received. Guy 
left it entirely to herself, whether or not to grant 
his request. 

She asked of her husband, Would it be of any 
advantage to you, dear?^^ He replied that he 
thought not, but that it would be only an honor 
to himself, through her. He would be considered 


40 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


merely the husband of a woman whose figure was 
thought the most perfect, as a copy, of any in 
the city. 

I care not for you to have that kind of honor ; 
so, if you will permit me, I will decline the pro- 
posal.^^ 

But, Nelly, you would have one thousand 
pounds presented to you, and that would be a nice 
little gift for you to bestow upon your brother 
Robert/’ 

That is a temptation,” said this good wife ; 
^^but I think that you will prefer that I should 
not accept the so-called honor, so I will still 
decline. Will you, dear Guy, write to Mr. Stone, 
and, with a due acknowledgment of the compli- 
ment, tell him that I must refuse, with much 
regret.” 

Guy folded his arms around her, and said : 

What would you not do, or leave undone, for me, 
my dear wife ? lam not worthy of such unselfish 
devotion. Your ideals are so high, that it is diffi- 
cult for any man to live up to them.” 

For several months after this Huntington toiled 
most industriously and continuously, producing the 
best work he had ever done. His opportunities 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


41 


and perseverance had improved the style of his 
efforts in this difficult and exacting art. His paint- 
ings were always finer when he was much in the 
society of his wife. They were purer in conception, 
and there were depicted in them more feeling and 
more expression of his interior life. He began to 
almost command the market, so much were his 
paintings sought after. 

Mr. and Miss Sommerville came to Paris at this 
period, and Miss Agnes, being in his wife’s company 
frequently, attracted the artist’s attention as a sub- 
ject to paint. He thought, if he could catch her 
fleeting and changing expressions, that her face, 
depicted on canvas as he knew that he could portray 
it, would prove a great success, and bring him still 
greater fame. The photographs of Agnes were un- 
satisfactory ; yet the artist supposed that, though 
her features were not very regular, yet her bright 
and amiable spirit, speaking through those violet 
eyes, with the varying bloom of her complexion, 
framed by the light rippling hair, worn so simply 
and effectively, would constitute all he desired to 
make a striking likeness of a truly lovely American 


woman. 


42 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


Agnes consented to his request, and Nelly re- 
minded her of her observation, some years before, 
about his catching her likeness, and its being such 
a fortunate hit for him. She said : Do you not 

remember that I said I would lay a wager that, if 
he could succeed in doing so, that it would sell 
more readily than any of his former pictures which 
had hitherto been painted. Little did we know 
then what Guy and I would be to each other in the 
future, when we were two merry, thoughtless girls, 
enjoying the simple things of country life and 
amusements which pleased early youth ? Why, 
don’t you remember, Agnes, how happy even the 
sunshine and the singing of the birds, and the 
beauty and fragrance of our morning-glories and 
honeysuckles would inspire us to glee and joyful 
laughter ? Your mother used to say to me, ^ Nelly, 
make my little girl run with you, but not uphill 
or too fast ; and make her laugh, my dear. It is a 
good thing for growing ones to have a merry laugh 
now and then.’ And she would say, too, ^ My dear 
children, do not neglect to sing each day. It is 
good for the^lungs, and good for the voice to exer- 
cise it ; and our Heavenly Father has not given us 
voices to neglect. We should try to have some 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


43 


cultivation and improvement for them.^ And don’t 
you remember, Agnes, what fits of laughter we 
^ would get into, sometimes ? I think all healthy 
girls are subject to those fits.” 

Nelly’s heart was beginning to be burdened by 
forebodings, induced by symptoms in her husband, 
of a wish to go out into the world, and to those 
places to which she could not accompany him. So 
this simple, pathetic talk to her friend was a relief 
to her. She seemed to love Agnes better, and 
appreciate her even more, as her mind was strength- 
ened and enlarged by the knowledge and experience 
she had lately acquired. It requires good sense and 
consideration to love friends intelligently. 

Agnes looked at her friend, and thought, ^^Was 
there ever a more beautiful creature? Her very 
soul seems to speak through her dark eyes, which 
have a softer expression than formerly. And as she 
cast them down, her long lashes rested on her cheek 
which was of a much paler hue than it was when 
she was happy, simple Nelly Grant.” 

But to return to the portrait of Agues, who made 
but one condition with Huntington in regard to it, 
and that was that he should paint a duplicate for 
her father at whatever price the artist chose to place 


44 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


upon it. The picture proved to be a great success, 
not only because the likeness was true, but that it 
was even of a more spiritual type than the original. 
It was a three-quarter portrait in size, and the 
beautiful hands were held in rather a deprecating 
attitude, as though she were appealing to some one 
to turn and take the upward track, which would 
lead to love and happiness. 

Being of such a sensitive organization, Agnes 
premised that Guy was in a crisis of his life, and 
during the sittings she had attempted to instill into 
his mind some of the ideas and doctrines which she 
had adopted, and considered of such inestimable 
value to herself. She had met with some books, 
some little time before, which had been a new 
revelation to her, and when she found, upon broach- 
ing the subject, that he was really better informed 
than she was in the merely literal part of the belief, 
she expressed not only surprise, but satisfaction. 
But the last did not continue very long, when he 
said to her that his father had been devoted to those 
ideas, and they had become part of his every-day 
life, and had made it so complete and practically 
useful that the influence of his father’s example had 
impressed him quite deeply in his early youth. But 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


45 


he supposed that as he was not formed, either men- 
tally or physically, of stuff which had as firm a 
fibre as his father^s had, that he had allowed the 
temptations of the world, the fiesh, and the devil 
to nearly obliterate all the good which he had thus 
imbibed. 


CHAPTER VIII. 



HE portrait attracted a great deal of attention. 


^ and, consequently, orders began to pour in 
upon Guy, as every woman that saw the likeness, 
that could afford it, wished to have one painted by 
a man who had such exquisite taste in colors, and 
the arrangement of the details, to say nothing of the 
beauty of the face itself. Most of them, not having 
seen the original of the picture, concluded that he 
fiattered her very much, and would do the same 
inartistic, but, as they supposed, kind, favor to them. 

The favorable reports of the likeness reached the 
ears of a duchess who was one of the first leaders 
of society in Paris. She visited the studio, saw the 
canvas from which looked out the sweet face of 


46 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


Agnes, and was so delighted with it that she re- 
quested Mr. Huntington to solicit the consent of 
the girl to paint her a duplicate of the picture, 
which should be put in the place of honor in her 
gallery of very valuable paintings. 

^^Do you think, Mr. Huntington,’^ said the 
duchess — who, though fifty years of age, was still 
handsome — with one of her sweetest smiles, for her 
lips could still display a fine set of teeth, do you 
think, with the aid of a portrait of me, painted in 
my youth by one of the first masters of that age, 
that you could succeed in making me a likeness that 
will not be entirely eclipsed in looks by this lovely 
one, if it were hung in the same gallery ? ” 

The artist, who was always awake to perceive 
when fortune offered him a chance, and alert in 
taking advantage of it, said : Your Grace, it would 
not be at all requisite for me to study a picture of 
you in early youth, for I am sure I could succeed 
in giving you one of the handsomest portraits of 
any woman living, without flattering you, as I 
should only depict you at your best.” 

Guy w^fast learning to be an accomplished 
courtier, and although this compliment was not as 
delicate and refined as he usually paid, yet he 


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47 


thought it suited the taste, probably, better than one 
that was not so apparent. 

The duchess, though not a particularly vain per- 
son, was immensely flattered, and gave him the 
order at once for a full sized portrait of herself, and 
remarked, she would leave the price to his own 
discretion. I wish to have it full size because my 
figure is about the best part of me, as it still retains 
its youthful suppleness and grace.^^ 

Mr. Huntington now considered that he was on 
the high road to fame and fortune. He was many 
months working on this valuable specimen of his 
art, and when completed, the duchess, who was 
more than satisfied with the success of the portrait, 
showed her satisfaction by giving an elegant enter- 
tainment at her palace, for its exhibition to her 
numerous friends and acquaintances. 

Guy’s head was somewhat turned by the ovation 
which was accorded him, and as he was invited to 
the ducal residence only in the capacity of an artist, 
it was not recognized that he had a wife. 

A few days after this grand reception. Her Grace 
was at the studio, and stepping into a small room 
adjoining the large one^ she saw a picture, framed, 
of considerable dimensions, covered with a curtain. 


48 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


She called to Mr. Huntington : Pray what beauty 
have you here concealed ? 

He drew aside the velvet hanging and revealed 
the full length portrait of his beautiful wife. 

^^Why, whose picture can that possibly be?’* 
cried she. It is a perfect, radiant Hebe. There 
is no such woman in society in Paris. Who was 
your model ? I am all curiosity to hear.” 

I am most happy to inform your ladyship that 
she is mine own, my excellent American wife, who 
took me before I was anything especial, in art or 
anything else, and by her influence and companion- 
ship she has been trying to lift me up to her ideals, 
indeed, I may say, to her own level.” 

Where is she ? ” cried the duchess. I had no 
idea you were a married man, and possessed such a 
treasure. Will you not be so good as to bring her 
to see me, as I should like also to rise to her level. 
My dear Mr. Huntington, we have so much in this 
life to keep us from raising our minds and thoughts 
to higher and better things, that such a woman as 
you describe your wife to be, with all her charm of 
beauty, d(^tless is a powerful instrument in the 
hands of Providence, which could be used for the 


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49 


purifying and elevation of everyone with whom she 
comes into contact.’^ 

Guy still had enough of good in him left to be 
even more gratified with this favorable comment on 
what he said of his wife, than even the fulsome 
praise he had received in approval of the superb 
portrait of the duchess. So, on returning home 
and finding Agnes with his wife, he related the 
conversation which had been held. 

Nelly was of course pleased, but so true was she 
in her affection that her pleasure was more on 
account of the gratification it gave her husband, and 
of her hope that this might strengthen the tie of 
affection between them. 

Well, wife,^^ said Guy, after the emotion of all 
three had subsided, for Agnes was even more im- 
pressed than Nelly by the compliments which had 
been paid to her friend, when will you be ready 
to go with me to call upon this great lady?^’ 

Whatever time would suit you best, I will 
make convenient to do so. And do you not think 
it would be perfectly appropriate that Agnes should 
accompany me?^’ replied she. 

I shall call myself, to-day, upon Her Grace, and 
ask if I can take the liberty of having the original 
4 


50 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


of the portrait to accompany us when we wait upon 
her. I know that she will be pleased to meet you 
both/^ said Guy. 

Oh, dear ! exclaimed Agnes, such a disap- 
pointment will await her that it will be no trifle to 
Her Grace. Your ideal picture of me will make 
me feel like hiding my head, and not having 
courage enough to stand the invidious comparison 
which she will make mentally.^^ 

My dear Miss Sommerville, you know nothing, 
yourself, about your appearance. One cannot judge 
by the reflection of one’s mirror what is the real 
aspect of one’s looks. Your charm consisting prin- 
cipally in your expression, is not obvious in your 
mirror, consequently you are no fit judge of your 
own beauty or the want of it. I think it saves 
many a pretty girl from vanity, because the higher 
style of beauty depends so much more on the ex- 
pression than on features. So cheer up, my little 
friend, and when I assure you that you are pretty 
enough for anything, let that suffice. You and 
Nelly are a charming contrast, and as sportsmen 
say, should always hunt in couples.” 

Nelly almost worshipped her husband, and cer- 
tainly when he was with her, as he was what is 


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51 


called a perfect gentleman in manner, he was always 
most courteous and kind. Now that Guy was 
exerting himself, and working laboriously to fill 
the numerous orders, coming from all directions, 
from the highest ranks, from the people of first 
consideration in society, as well as those who were 
less wealthy and prominent, Nelly began to fear 
for his health, and that his strength would give out. 

She felt very solicitous, and gave up all her 
engagements to watch over and take care of her 
husband. She never left the house while he was in 
it, and took pains with her attire to look always 
fresh and attractive, and not to oifend his fastidious 
taste in the least particular. 

She procured the most lovely flowers, and made 
his studio charming and fragrant with them. She 
selected the finest fruits, and would slip in quietly 
with it, tempting him with luscious grapes, and 
other varieties, and often induced him to partake 
of them while she sat there, and entertained him 
with bright gossip and incidents that she thought 
would interest him. 

Poor Nelly concealed her real feelings, which 
were those of apprehension for the future. She 
always met him on returning, after having been 


52 


THE (X)TTAGE BY THE SEA. 


out of the house, and gave him a warm welcome ; 
and to see to his comfort was her greatest pleasure. 
He was much touched by her great devotion ; but 
still, so great were the temptations held out to him 
by great ladies and women of the demi-monde, that 
he began to absent himself almost entirely, when 
not absolutely working. If men only knew, before 
too late, the value of a true woman’s heart, and that 
woman a wife, they would be more chary of trifling 
with it and of throwing it aside as one does an old 
glove when tired of it. 


CHAPTER IX. 



HEIR friends, observing the frequent and con- 


^ tinned absences of Guy from his wife and 
home, began to try to divert her mind by visiting 
her frequently ; and finding her interesting and at 
the same time interested in them — which is always 
pleasant 'to people — they were rather apt to over- 
stay their time. Now that Guy was away so much 
from his apartments, Agnes redoubled her attention 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


53 


to her friend, and insisted that she should accom- 
pany her frequently to all those amusements which 
are found so constantly in delightful Paris. As 
Nelly was exceedingly fond of music, the morning 
concerts were really a comfort, as well as a diversion. 
Her taste was becoming more and more improved 
by having the great advantage of hearing the best 
music performed by the most finished artists in the 
world. Then there were beautiful flower shows, 
and those attractions of the finest paintings of the 
old and modern masters in the galleries of the 
Louvre and other palaces. 

Then the theatres and operas at night were a 
great delight to both of the friends. They went, 
on one occasion, to hear Sarah Bernhardt, and 
though they were very much fascinated by the won- 
derful display of her genius, yet the sphere of the 
woman seemed to pervade the whole place; and 
Nelly and Agnes said, afterwards, that they only 
managed to sit through the entertainment, for the 
effect on them was anything but agreeable. They 
both felt her powerful magnetism, but would not 
willingly come under its influence again on any 
account. How much, as an instrument, can a man 
or woman of genius accomplish, if they are fed 


54 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


from the pure fountain of the living water of the 
Word of God ; for when man, though in possession 
of the higliest genius, is not a suppliant for the 
grace of God, his powers become perverted, and do 
not accomplish that work for which purpose the 
individual was endowed with this natural ability. 

Mrs. Huntington and her friend. Miss Sommer- 
ville, had the advantage of knowing many promi- 
nent people in society, and through them they made 
many new acquaintances ; and among them was a 
German Count of immense wealth, a man of fine 
education, polished manners, and who was consid- 
ered among the most important and conspicuous 
of the habitues of the Parisian world. During a 
drama, where tlie actors and actresses displayed a 
great deal of emotion, the attention of Count Albert- 
son was attracted by the faces of these two naturally 
behaved and comparatively unsophisticated Ameri- 
cans. In high life, in Europe, the emotions are 
kept in abeyance by the frequenters of polite society, 
but not so much in Paris as in London and other 
British capitals. In English society the more stolid 
and imperturbable a man or woman is, the more 
elegant manner is he or she considered to have. 
The Germans are not nearly so self-contained, ex- 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


55 


cept among people of the highest rank, even royalty 
itself, for they seem to act out their natural qualities 
more impulsively, and with greater simplicity. 

These two lovely young women not only attracted 
the attention of the Count, but interested him so 
much that he ceased not by night or day to inquire 
where they were to be found and who their ac- 
quaintances were. Fortunately, as he thought, an 
Italian Count whom he knew slightly, who was Sir 
Antoine Roscoe by name, had made the acquaintance 
of the two ladies, and said that he had even called 
upon them by the invitation of the husband of one 
of them, who was a very distinguished artist. 

Do they reside at the studio ? ” inquired the 
Count. 

‘^No, my friend,^^ replied Count Roscoe, ^^they 
are too independent in their circumstances for that. 
They have luxurious apartments in one of those 
quiet streets near the river.^^ 

The one in which their apartments were had 
many old dwellings in it, but it was tolerably wide 
and airy. There was a small square or place near 
by their house, in which were some beautiful old 
trees, which varied the monotony which the rows of 
old buildings created. Nelly was perfectly satisfied 


56 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


with her exterior surroundings and the interiors of 
the apartments which, though simply furnished, 
were made pleasant by a profusion of growing plants 
and flowers. Guy had hired a remarkably fine 
piano, and took pains to induce her to keep up the 
cultivation of her voice by practice, both with him 
and when she was alone. He was sufficiently aware 
of the fine quality of her vocal organ, and as they 
often sang together in society, he naturally wished 
her to sing surpassingly well. He had very little 
time for practice, but in their duos, the want of 
flexibility in his voice was even atoned for by the 
beautiful voice of his wife. 

Count Albertson was disappointed when he found 
that they had a home other than the studio, for he 
had an idea that he could have his portrait taken, 
and so have more chance of meeting, as he thought, 
the entrancing Mrs. Huntington. Count Roscoe 
asked permission of the ladies to introduce his 
friend. Count Albertson, to their acquaintance. In 
a few days after receiving permission from Mrs. 
Huntington and her friend, the gentlemen arrived 
in a fine equipage, with out-riders and four spanking 
grays, and descending from their carriage at the 
apartment of Mrs. Huntington, were ushered up by 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


57 


the footman into the small drawing-room. The 
ladies were practising their singing, when the Count 
stepped into the room. He being six feet high, 
with a very effusive manner, and though not really 
stout but yet well developed muscularly, he threw 
the Italian Count completely in the shade, and 
seemed to fill nearly the whole room with his pres- 
ence. Miss Sommerville, who had a keen sense of 
the ridiculous, was struck by the contrast in the 
appearance of the two men. The Count had light 
coloring, fine complexion and an open, handsome 
countenance. The Italian, on the contrary, was 
under middle size, with dark hair and complexion, 
and a disagreeable sinister expression of counte- 
nance. With a sweeping bow, the German Count 
followed the other, in order to receive the gracious 
greeting of the ladies. After some bright and 
pleasant conversation. Count Albertson inquired if 
they would accept his box at the opera for that 
evening, saying that he would send his coach for 
them, and he hoped that Mr. Huntington, of whom 
he had heard so much, as an artist and a man, 
would waive ceremony and accompany the ladies to 
the theatre. Just at this time Mr. Sommerville 
came into the room. The Count immediately ex- 


58 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


tended the invitation to him, and Nelly thought, 
as Mr. Soniraerville would accompany them, she 
was right in accepting, although not sure that her 
husband would be able to go with them. American 
women, generally, have less knowledge of the world, 
and are consequently less suspicious of the motives of 
designing men than the women of foreign countries. 
When the evening arrived, the coach was sent to 
convey the ladies and Mr. Sommerville to the 
Opera House, where they were met by the Counts 
Albertson and Roscoe. The music being of a very 
delightful kind, Nelly and Agues soon became 
absorbed, and found the libretto also quite inter- 
esting. The gentlemen amused themselves watching 
the expressive countenances of the two ingenues. 


CHAPTER X. 



FTER the opera the Count insisted, although 


with^reat urbanity, upon their resorting to 
a very elegant cafe, where he had engaged a room 
in which was an elegant grand piano, and where a 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


59 


most rechercM supper was served. After partaking 
of this repast, accompanied by the most exquisite 
wines and cordials, the Count opened the piano and 
commenced playing in a masterly manner. This, 
of course, pleased the girls, and one of them asked 
him if he would not favor them with a song. He 
replied he had brought some music with him, and 
that if Count Roscoe would join, as he had a tenor 
voice and his own was a baritone, he would be 
willing to try what they could do. So after giving 
a spirited Italian barcarole, the Count turned on 
his stool and remarked : I am sure you can both 
sing; it is perfectly evident you are both accom- 
plished musicians. Is it not so; am I not cor- 
rect And as they both smiled, he turned to Mr. 
Sominerville : Can you not confirm my foregone 

conclusion ? ’’ 

Yes,^^ said Mr. Sommerville, I cannot deny 
that Mrs. Huntington sings very well, and my dear 
little girl here has a sweet bird-like voice that is 
very pleasant to her partial father. However, I 
wish to add that if it were unsupported by another 
voice, would scarcely please so good and fastidious 
a judge of the beautiful art as you, Count, evidently 


60 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


not Mrs. Huntington be so extremely 
obliging as to let me hear her dulcet tones ? 

^^Oh, yes/’ said Nelly, after your being so 
obliging, it would be worse than churlish in me to 
refuse, if my friend Agnes will join me in some of 
our unpretending duets.’^ 

So they sang together some pretty Scotch ditties, 
in an unaffected way, which would not have been so 
charming had not Nelly’s voice and style been just 
what they were. The gentlemen were most enthusi- 
astic in their admiration, and then proposed having 
a quartet which proved to be a great success. Mr. 
Sommerville remarked, afterwards, that he felt 
almost guilty in hearing such music and enjoying 
it all by himself. The gentlemen both wished to 
propose that Mrs. Huntington should invite them 
to her apartment, and practice whilst there some 
songs and glees together, which would be good 
enough to afford entertainment, also, to some of the 
friends of the two ladies; but Count Albertson, 
being so well bred a man, did not wish on this early 
acquaintance to seem at all presumptuous, and treated 
the ladies with even more deference and distinction 
than if they had been of the highest rank. 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


61 


Nelly did not care to have much company with- 
out her husband could be present, and so numerous 
had his engagements become that it was not possible, 
he said, to forego them. Though she felt inclined 
to gratify the wishes of the party, as she supposed 
she knew what both the gentlemen would like, but 
would not act impulsively, she would request her 
husband to spare one evening only, to meet them, as 
she knew he would enjoy the specially fine music 
which they would have. When the opportunity 
occurred, she made the request of Guy, and he said 
that every hour was filled with engagements, and 
could not possibly be broken. Agnes thought that 
Guy should not have hesitated a moment to grant 
this reasonable request of his most patient and for- 
bearing wife. She remarked to Nelly : If my 
father is present, will not that make it according to 
etiquette, and could we not dispense with your 
husband’s presence on this occasion ? ” 

Nelly said she would ask Mr. Huntington what 
he thought, and if he approved of it she would 
adopt Agnes’ suggestion. 

Before she had the chance of consulting her 
husband, she and Agnes were one evening together 
in the drawing-room, when Count Albertson was 


62 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


announced. Nelly wliispered to her friend : Do 
not leave until he does.’’ 

The Count approached with a low graceful bow, 
and began complimenting the ladies in his own way, 
which was pleasant enough, but which should have 
only been addressed to Agnes, who was unmarried. 
He evidently admired Miss Sommerville, and spoke 
of having obtained one of her photographs. 

^^Oh, no,” said she, ^^you cannot mean the photo- 
graph of myself, but only the one of my ideal por- 
trait, which is much better looking than 1 ever was.” 

With some complimentary words, he took from 
his coat pocket a beautiful case of enamel and gold, 
set with precious stones, and opening it showed 
some remarkable jewels. He said carelessly : These 
are rather fine stones, Mrs. Huntington.” 

They were set in a superb necklace, and were 
exceptionally fine diamonds of an unusually large 
size. He gently drew the necklace around Nelly’s 
throat, and clasped it. 

How magnificent ! ” exclaimed Agnes. I have 
never seen any to compare to them.” 

^^Are they so,” said Nelly, ‘^but I cannot see 
them,” and turning to Albertson, she said, please 
undo them for me.” 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


63 


He replied : Oh, no ! Mrs. Huntington, I 
brought them here for your acceptance.^^ 

You are surely joking, Count,^^ she answered, 
please undo the catch.^^ 

He shaking his head and smiling, she turned to 
her friend with ; Agnes, will you not try to re- 
lieve me of this?^^ 

would rather not,^’ said Miss Sommerville, 
and turning to the Count, ^^you had better do so, 
because I might injure the clasp. I should judge,^^ 
continued Agnes, ^^that you. Count, were promised 
in marriage to some lady of very high rank, and 
this necklace was intended as a gift to her.^^ 

Not at all,^^ replied the Count, they were in- 
tended for Mrs. Huntington, and if she will accept 
them it will gratify me beyond expression.^^ 

The Count had seemed to forget that Nelly 
had a husband in existence; and if he had not 
so shamefully neglected her, she would not have 
been subjected to this insult. She did not like 
to make it too serious, so she tried to turn it 
off by saying : I do not like to be made the 
subject of such a joke;^^ and in a peremptory 
manner she exclaimed, ^^undo the necklace at once, 
Count Albertson.^^ 


64 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


He said: ^^Just take one glance in the mirror, 
Mrs. Huntington, and see how they become your 
style. ‘You are precisely of that complexion and 
coloring that such gems become.’’ 

Doubtless,” said Nelly, laughing, they would 
be becoming to almost any style, and if you promise 
to release me immediately upon my complying with 
your request, I will consent to take one glance.” 

He led her to the mirror, and such sparklers 
Nelly had never beheld before. He looked at her 
with much admiration in his expressive eyes, and 
his handsome features became softened and really 
tender in their enthusiastic appreciation of her love- 
liness and dignity; and sighing deeply, he undid 
the clasp. She cast upon him such a look that he 
was struck by the innocent compassion which it 
expressed, and he was conscious that she felt great 
sorrow for him, that he should have been betrayed 
into such a weakness. 

He took a chair, some distance from them, and 
remained perfectly quiet for some time. Neither 
of the girls interrupted his meditation. During 
that time, his mind flashed back to his boyhood, 
when his b^yed mother had taught him moral 
lessons which he was now forgetting. This is one 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


66 


of the proofs that without something more to depend 
upon than morality, the most generous and sweetest 
natures will become selfish and perverted. 

As a child, he had been an uncommonly obedient 
and unselfish son to his mother. His father had 
died in his infancy, and left this fine child, with 
great confidence, to the care of his wife, who was a 
woman of superior intellect, and strong will ; and 
with an almost unbounded influence over her son, 
and also over her dependents. But, unfortunately 
for this young man, she had died before he was of 
age, and his uncle, who was his guardian, lived in 
another province, and did not trouble himself much 
about his ward, except to visit him in the hunting 
season, as the Albertson estate owned large forests 
in Germany which were full of game of various 
sorts, and even had numbers of ferocious boars. 

These visits of his uncle’s had only been beneficial 
in one way to the boy, and that was in cultivating 
his courage and his horsemanship, when his guardian 
spent some months with him during each year. 
But after those visits were over, he was left entirely 
to the care of the chaplain, and the old housekeeper, 
and a couple of tutors, who were not as disinterested 
as they should have been, and did not like to inter- 
5 


66 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


fere too much with the perfect liberties of the youth 
for fear that they might lose most comfortable and 
easy quarters, for the boy had only to complain to 
his uncle of any one of them, and he, selfishly — to 
save himself any trouble — would write the boy that 
he could turn them off and get others; so that 
those who had consciences were always dismissed 
by this self-willed and inexperienced youth. 

After this long digression, we return to the draw- 
ing-room, where the trio were still seated. 


CHAPTER XI. 


F course, all these thoughts did not pass 



through the Count’s mind or memory, for 
he really was only quiet a comparatively short time, 
reflecting. He exclaimed, looking at Nelly : Your 
husband can now afford to purchase the duplicate 
of this trifle, as he is becoming so very famous and 
wealthy.” 

I would not accept so costly a bauble even from 
my husband. No one of less rank than a princess 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


67 


should indulge in such an expenditure as that. 
Indeed, I have learned by my simple faith that to 
spend money in such useless things, for mere orna- 
ment, so lavishly, is not doing what the Giver of 
all things had intended that we should do. Why, 
Count, if that money were invested in an orphanage, 
cannot you imagine the inestimable good it might 
do to little children who are waifs and strays, and 
what an inestimable blessing it might be for this 
life? and in many instances the good effect would 
reach into eternity. Only to think, to appeal to 
you not even on the highest plane, what benedic- 
tions would be showered on your head, what sup- 
plications would be offered for blessings on you, 
and if you are conscious when your dying hour 
arrives, what a comforting thought the idea would 
be to you that your money had been the means of 
the salvation of the souls of these children.^^ 

Why, my dear Mrs. Huntington, I did not 
know what a delightful preacher you might make. 
Thou almost persuadest me to be a Christian.^^ 

Oh, Count ! if I only could persuade you en- 
tirely to do this much for those little ones, who are 
friendless and suffering, neither you nor I would 
have lived in vain.^^ 


68 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


He arose from his seat, his face showing much 
emotion and also that a great impression had been 
made upon him, and shaking hands with each of 
the ladies, he departed. 

The next evening, when Mr. Sommerville accom- 
panied Nelly, Agnes and Guy to the house of the 
Duchess to attend a reception, after the usual greet- 
ing, Her Grace told Nelly that, as soon as her guests 
had ceased arriving, she wished to have a little 
private conversation with her. So, later on in the 
evening, she called Nelly, and they went together 
into her boudoir where they would be uninterrupted. 
Both taking seats, the Duchess began by saying : 

My dear Mrs. Huntington, what spell have you 
cast over Count Albertson? He called upon me, 
yesterday, and said that he had some very serious 
conversation that he wished to hold with me, and 
important ideas to impart to me. 

He said he had just come from your house, and 
that you had made a proposal to him to do some- 
thing for the good of others. ^ My dear Duchess, 
she wants me to found an orphanage, which I am 
delighted ^0 do, at her request, on account of the 
deepest regard and respect that I feel for her. If 
your Grace will be so kind as to take the matter in 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


69 


hand for me, my purse shall be at your command 
for a sufficient supply ; but I wish to make a 
proviso that her husband will allow it to be 
called ^^The Nelly Huntington Orphanage.^^ If 
he will not allow his name to appear, I shall 
have to find some other title which will convey 
my appreciation of the gentleness and nobility of 
a true woman.^ 

So, my dear Mrs. Huntington, I pray you con- 
sult your husband at once, and let us strike while 
the iron is hot; for I know the young man well, 
and I fear that some of his selfish, unprincipled 
companions will try to dissuade him, and give us a 
deal of unnecessary trouble.^^ 

She promised, at once, that she would do all in 
her power to forward a work which lay so close to 
her heart. Upon speaking to her husband about it, 
he told her he had no objection in any way, and he 
would consent that she could do all that was in her 
power to assist the Duchess in carrying out this 
work which seemed to interest her so much. 

Nelly had a great love for children, and her dis- 
appointment was very keen that she had had no 
child. She had wished to adopt a little girl, but 
her husband would not consent, so she had to give 


70 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


up the idea; but in her heart she never had been 
reconciled to his objecting to it. 

Her feelings went out to every poor child she 
met, and she would buy the papers, which they 
offered, from the boys, and the little nosegays from 
the girls, whenever they were presented to her, and 
then she would give them over to the concierge who 
was always delighted to receive them. 

A few evenings after the visit spoken of, Agnes 
and her father were with Nelly in her apartments ; 
and Mr. Sommerville having a cold, his daughter 
thought they ought to go to his hotel earlier than 
usual. So, after a promise on Nelly’s part to call 
and learn how Mr. Sommerville was next day, they 
departed, leaving her alone — she feeling rather de- 
pressed. She was so accustomed now to having 
her friend and her father with her, in the evening, 
that, to divert her loneliness, she began to play on 
the piano and sing some plaintive little songs in 
French. 

Music was a great resource to her, and if she had 
had a little child of her own to love, with the 
society offher friend Agnes, to whom she was so 
much attached, she could have been comparatively 
happy. Her life had so many pleasant things in it. 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


71 


and she was so much better off than most of the 
foreign women about her in her circumstances and 
situation, which facts, united with her strength of 
character which her early life of self-denial and 
industry had given her, that she might have passed 
as happy and peaceful a life as most women do. 
But, having no outlet for her abundant affection, 
except towards Agnes and her husband, she had not 
arrived yet at that philosophical state of mind 
which — unless we possess the true help — nerves us 
to bear the fortune which is sent us. 

She still admired her husband, and felt grateful 
to him for having lifted her out of her obscure 
position, and for giving her the opportunity of edu- 
cation and of a broader, better life. She had been 
a most attentive student when first reaching Paris, 
and was now feeling the delight which the desire 
for knowledge gives to those who have that desire. 

These little digressions are requisite, in this tale, 
in order to portray the gradual development of the 
character of this, I hope, to my readers, interesting 
woman. But to return to the apartment in which 
we left her seated at the piano. 

The Italian Count Roscoe came in stealthily to 
the room, unannounced, having bribed the footman. 


72 


THE COTa^AGE BY THE SEA. 


He took his seat near the door for a moment, and 
then, rising quietly, he approached Nelly on tiptoe. 
She was sitting with her face turned from him, but 
raising her eyes just then, to a mirror over the 
piano, she saw coming towards her this treacherous 
man. She turned on the revolving stool quickly, 
to face the enemy, but too late to avoid the audacious 
clasp of his arms. She arose and pushed him from 
her, and uttered a loud shriek. The butler, who 
was an honest man and not a scoundrel like the 
footman, ran upstairs, and entering the room, saw 
the Couilt shaking with laughter. Her maid, whom 
she had brought from America with her, came down 
to her assistance. She found her crying and sob- 
bing, whilst the villain was trying to pass it over 
as a joke. 

The butler went up to him, handed him his hat 
which he had placed on the sofa, opened the door 
of the room, and escorted him down. Before let- 
ting him out into the street, the man, who was large 
and strong, stood in front of the little cowardly 
Count and said : You must be aware, sir, that 
Mr. Huiifitigton will be informed of this outrage 
as soon as he returns, and you will doubtless hear 
from him.^^ 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


73 


A few evenings after, when Nelly had recovered 
from this unpleasant excitement, she and Mr. and 
Miss Sommerville were at the opera, enjoying one 
of Patties great nights, when an usher came and 
announced to one of the actors, and requested that 
he would give it from the stage, that Mrs. Hunt- 
ington’s coachman wished to see, her. They im- 
mediately arose, as they were much alarmed, and 
went to the street and were told that a messenger 
had been sent for them to return at once to the 
house. The coachman knew nothing more, so was 
told to drive as rapidly as possible through the 
crowded thoroughfares. 

Upon reaching home, they found two doctors and 
some friends, besides the servants, awaiting them. 
They were told that there had been a duel, and 
that Guy was badly wounded and his opponent still 
more so. Upon reaching Guy, he said: ^^Wife, I 
must leave here to-night, to avoid arrest, for Count 
Roscoe will die.” 

Who ! ” exclaimed she. Did you fight that 
miscreant? Are you wounded by him?” 

‘‘ He boasted, publicly, that he had embraced you, 
and I was told of it. When he was charged with 
it, he would not withdraw it ; so I had to challenge 


74 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


him. We agreed to fight in a room, and by gas- 
light. As I was a pretty good swordsman, and he 
had the choice of weapons and preferred swords to 
pistols, I was willing to agree.^^ 

Are you badly wounded she said. 

I fear so,^^ and looking at the surgeon, he said 
to him : Tell her the worst, doctor ; she will have 
to know it.^’ 

Madam, I find it necessary to say to you that 
there is the smallest chance of life, if the patient is 
kept perfectly quiet ; but if he is moved to-night, 
a hemorrhage will be produced, and death will 
inevitably ensue shortly — in fact, almost imme- 
diately.^^ 

I will not,^^ cried Guy, even to recover, submit 
to arrest and trial for that villain’s death. So, 
regardless of consequences, I must and will go at 
once. See that all is ready, dear wife, but do not 
come yourself, for that favor I do not deserve at 
your hands.” 

There was a yacht moored in the river, not far 
off, belonging to one of his friends, who was now 
in the house ^yaiting to have him carried on board. 
Nelly went about attending to everything possible, 
but looking white as a lily and more like stone than 
living flesh. 


THE CO'rTAGE BY THE SEA. 


75 


Before daylight she had accomplished everything, 
and they were in readiness to start. Guy gave her 
directions about his papers and a few of his paint- 
ings that were still unsold, with great calmness, 
although he was suffering torture. His sincere 
repentance in this solemn hour, for the neglect of 
his wife, gave him enough fortitude and courage to 
use much self-control. He told Nelly that when it 
was all over she would arrange all his affairs. She 
could not reply with her lips, but she bowed her 
head and tried to smile. She suppressed her con- 
suming grief for his sake, and listened to each word 
as priceless, bathed his brow, and imprinted kisses 
on his face and forehead — half distracted, but hold- 
ing herself still under control ; trying to forget 
herself in these awful moments, she remembered 
only what was for his good. 

She lay down beside him when he clasped her 
hand and moaned with the pain of his wound. 
Nelly was a good girl, but she had not yet accepted 
the Divine Will as her will. How few of us ever 
do that fully, and most rarely in early youth. Her 
faith was shaken by the knowledge that her best 
beloved should be taken so soon from her. She 
felt that, had he lived, she would, by her loving 


76 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


devotion, win him to better ways. She breathed a 
prayer for his soul, and he sobbed aloud. 

^^Guy, darling, can you not give yourself the 
shadow of a chance ? 

No, dearest, do not ask me to do that, even for 
your sake. I would die a thousand deaths in 
anticipation. Pray for me, dear wife ; the prayers 
of so good a woman will be heard and answered. 


CHAPTER XII. 



'HE friend who owned the yacht came to say 


^ that the bearers had come and must hasten 
away before dawn. One look around at her home, 
tears rolling down her pale cheeks, supported by 
Agnes and Mr. Sommerville, they joined the caval- 
cade and walked by the bier of the sufferer. Fortu- 
nately the yacht could lay at the white bridge near 
by, so unfortunate Guy was carried aboard and 
gently laid upon a couch, never to rise again. 

They steamed as rapidly as possible out of the 
harbor and down the river, and as Guy was on deck 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


77 


he saw the sun rise in beautiful clouds for the last 
time on this earth. The doctor had administered 
an anesthetic, so that his wound was not nearly so 
painful. His artistic eye, even in all this trial, 
caught the beauty of the scene, and he gave his 
wife one of his very sweet smiles. 

^^How beautiful is Nature,^^ said he. ^^It is 
proof that there must be a Creator of all this per- 
fection. Nelly, I believe firmly in God, and trust 
He will forgive my weakness. My heart always 
loved you, Nelly ; it is my cursed vanity led me off 
from you. I thought we had a long life before us, 
and I could atone by my devotion, after this rush 
of popularity would subside, as it certainly would 
have done, and always has done in every case, and 
then you would understand why it was that I treated 
you with seeming indifference. But now, my dear, 
I am not granted that opportunity, but I have 
atoned in the only way that is left me, and that is 
by leaving you all of my belongings and every 
penny I possess.^^ 

Oh, hush ! hush ! my darling Guy, don^t speak 
of such things. You were not to blame. Your 
great talent attracted so much praise that circum- 
stances must bear the blame. You will try to rest 


78 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


now, Guy, for you know my love for you had never 
wavered. Our love and your kindness in so many 
ways will always dwell in my memory. So rest, 
now, ray darling, and I will sing you to sleep.’’ 

In a soft voice she hummed a lovely hymn that 
he had been fond of before they were married. He 
slept only a few minutes, and awoke with his face 
flushed, indicating fever, which made him flighty, 
and he wandered in his talk. 

My pretty girl, can you tell me where the inn 
is? and she, with her flashing eyes and scornful 
lips, said : ^ Yes,’ and took me out and pointed 
under the willows. ^ There,’ she said, ^ is what you 
call the inn up there, and we call tavern down 
here.’ Now, Nelly, confess that inn is the better 
name of the two.” 

He smiled and looked at her, and her lips parted, 
saying : Yes ; ” but no sound issued from them. 

^^How good and true she was,” he continued, 
and how brave when she saved my life, how tender 
when nursing me and suggesting comforts, and 
bringing each day some token of her love. How 
her voice soothed me, both when she sang and in 
talking. How she enjoyed, poor girl, my indifferent 
playing on instruments; I think now she would 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


79 


scorn such music. But then, in her goodness, her 
expressive eyes would vary with the music; she 
looked so fearless out of those dark eyes into this 
dreary world, for she did not know its evils. Poor 
Nelly, she loved her rustic home, her flowers, her 
animals, and her various employments. And how 
happy she was with her good brother and her kind 
friend. I brought her a fleeting ecstasy of joy, but 
it was so short, sweet wife, so brief.^^ 

Though it was very gratifying to his wife to hear 
him speak of his early love and admiration for her, 
she felt like swooning away at times with grief. 

^^And in Paris! Was anyone so beloved and 
admired as my good wife. She was one of Nature’s 
noble women, refined through goodness, although 
she also had gentle blood in her veins. Heaven 
will be her eternal home, whilst I will be away 
from her and her love forever. God bless her 
always.” 

He sank into a quiet sleep in which he slowly 
and gently passed away. 


80 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


CHAPTER XIII. 

A FTER Mr. Huntington’s death, they returned 
immediately to the city, and, fortunately, she 
had her two good friends, Agnes and her father, to 
accompany her. Mr. Sommerville proved quite 
equal to the occasion. Several of the intimate 
friends of the artist offered to him all the assistance 
which would be necessary. Nelly kept up, as she 
supposed they would wish to consult with her how 
to pay the greatest respect to this distinguished 
painter’s memory. 

They thought it was due to him, and his standing 
as an artist, to have a very large and elaborate 
funeral. In France, even the obsequies are accom- 
panied with much show. Every acquaintance in 
the city, who was able to, joined in the solemn 
procession. And all of their friends, among whom 
was Count Albertson, were present on this mourn- 
ful occasion. 

Among the equipages which were present was 
that of the Count, and the Duchess sent her chariot 
as a mark of respect to the memory of the artist 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


81 


who had distinguished her by painting so charming 
a portrait of her. 

So they buried this young and promising man in 
one of the most beautiful cemeteries near Paris; 
and, in doing so, there was laid to rest one who 
should have triumphed over error and sin, for, 
though he had many temptations, he had also 
had many privileges and opportunities of gaining 
strength of character — and then a true helpmeet, in 
every respect, in his wife. 

A beautiful tomb, designed by the sculptor who 
had offered to make a statue of Nelly, was finished 
many months afterwards and placed upon his grave. 
The sculptor had proposed that Nelly should allow 
him to represent her either in a weeping posture, or 
in one of prayer, instead of the tomb which she 
preferred should mark her husband’s last resting- 
place. She refused Mr. Stone on the ground that 
it would be too great and distressing an exaction to 
be made upon a wife, after the sudden and tragic 
death (as was that) of her husband. She thought 
that fresh flowers, the loveliest that could be pro- 
cured in each season, would be the most appropriate 
offering she could make to his tomb. 

6 


82 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


During the time she remained in Paris, after the 
funeral, she carried a profusion of the most beautiful 
blossoms that she could find to the sacred grave. 
On leaving the city, she deposited a sum of money 
with a friend who resided permanently there, the 
interest of which was to be devoted to the placing 
of beautiful plants and abundance of flowers on 
this spot, the most dear to her on earth. 

The young widow felt her bereavement most 
keenly, and Mr. Sommerville advised her return 
to her native country, and her own home, as 
being the best means of restoring her tone of 
mind, and healing her lacerated feelings. To be 
once more with her dear brother, and to be sur- 
rounded by all those scenes to which she had 
been so partial, before a greater affection had 
obscured them in her esteem, he thought would 
be the most efficient and durable cure for her 
terrible affliction and troubled heart. 

So the Sommervilles remained with her until she 
was sufficiently recovered from the prostration which 
the shock and tragedy of her husband’s end had 
been to her^ As soon as it was evident that she 
could stand the voyage^ they made arrangements to 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


83 


cross in one of the best steamers, where the most 
favorable accommodations could be secured. 

Both Mr. Sommerville and his daughter needed 
the stimulant (as well as the widow) of an ocean 
trip ; for, from sympathy from both, and unwonted 
exertion on Mr. Sommerville’s part, they were 
really in great need of rest. 

As the weather was very delightful, with no 
contrary winds, and only a few soft showers of rain, 
they were able to remain on deck nearly every day, 
and all day, during the entire voyage. Agnes and 
her father felt almost immediately the benefit de- 
rived from the pure and strengthening air, but 
Nelly, of course, could not expect to recover her 
equilibrium so rapidly. 

Although Rob felt great sympathy for his sister, 
yet at the same time he was so glad to have her 
back again, that it was a very blended feeling. He 
was on the dock; in Boston, when they disembarked, 
and after a tearful embrace by Nelly, and a warm 
clasp of the hand from Agnes, and a real heartfelt 
greeting from Mr. Sommerville, Rob could not 
help showing his satisfaction, although he tried to 
restrain any undue exhibition of it. Although his 
sister had never complained of her husband in her 


84 


THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA. 


letters to her brother, yet he had inferred from 
some observations that she was not as happy as she 
had been, and had somewhat divined the true state 
of the case. In the course of a few hours, Mrs. 
Huntington was safely conducted to her small, but 
comfortable cottage by the sea. 


PART II. 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


D uring their protracted stay in Europe, Mr. 

Somraerville and his daughter went to Eng- 
land to visit a half sister of his deceased wife. She 
was the offspring of a second marriage of Mr. 
Marshall, the grandfather of Agnes. She was much 
younger than her half sister, and was delighted to 
meet her niece and brother-in-law from America. 
The grandfather of Agnes had always been very 
fond of her mother, who was his oldest daughter, 
and had tried to interest Miss Clara Marshall in 
her family. He had kept up a correspondence with 
his relatives, in America, during his life, but he had, 
as well as his wife, been deceased for some years. 
All intercourse was suspended for a time between 
the different members of the family in England, 
and on this side of the water. 


85 


86 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


Miss Marshall had inherited a very large for- 
tune from her mother, and as she had lived so 
retired a life, and liad remained unmarried, she 
had spent but a small part of her income each year. 
She had but little enterprise or vivacity, and not 
cultivating the friendship of many people, she had 
not dispensed (as she now began to feel) the large 
means, which she had in her power, in the method 
or the liberal spirit which she ought to have done ; 
so now, she thought, here was her opportunity of 
retrieving lier error. She had gained great confi- 
dence in her niece, who had impressed her as not 
only having benevolence, but also a sound judg- 
ment. The new ideas which Miss Sommerville 
had imbibed from Mr. Huntington, and from other 
sources, had fallen on good ground, and the seed 
was springing up into life, and all through her 
daily walks, producing pleasant looks and kind acts, 
and much consideration for others. Her aunt was 
so attracted to her that she changed her will, leav- 
ing Mr. Sommerville a full competence during his 
life, which was afterwards to go to Agnes, and also 
the latter ^as to inherit her large estate, and all 
the remainder of her possessions. She bade her 
niece adieu, with many expressions of affection and 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


87 


much reluctance, as she wished her and her father 
to remain with her, and had even tried to persuade 
him to leave his daughter, even though he could 
not do so himself. He had consented, but Agnes 
refused to be separated from her father. 

On parting with her. Miss Marshall presented 
Miss Sommerville with a considerable sum of 
money, with which she was to do as she pleased, 
for her aunt remarked to her, that she knew her 
pleasure would be to promote the happiness and 
the well-being of others, with not only her money, 
but her thoughts and attentions. Mr. Sommerville 
was highly gratified at the affection shown by his 
daughter’s aunt towards her, and said, that though 
they could not stay now, they would, if Providence 
permitted, return as soon as possible and remain 
with her as long as it was practicable. But, six 
months after Miss Marshall had bade them adieu, 
she bade adieu also to this sublunary sphere, and 
it is to be hoped that she would dwell in one, in 
which she would be both useful and contented, 
where she would know more surely the best way 
of life. 

But to return to the cottage. Robert Grant, having 
fallen heir to a good many thousand dollars from 


88 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


his sister Nelly’s husband, had tried to do his share 
of good work by instituting a co-operative store, 
of which he had the supervision. He did not give 
up his business of fishing, for he was fond of the 
sea, and liked the work that he had on it and the 
produce from it. Because he had some fortune, he 
neither wished nor expected to indulge in idleness ; 
and though now he owned a small fleet of fishing 
smacks, and a number of men were engaged under 
him as toilers of the sea, yet he not only supervised 
but exerted himself to make everything work to 
advantage. The idea of independence was dear to 
this free-hearted, brave man. The first thought 
that occurred to him, after getting the good news of 
the handsome legacy from Mr. Huntington, was of 
the amiable young girl to whom he had become 
much attached ; and he said : Now I can approach 
her with the hope of having a home of my own 
before many years, and will be justified in asking 
her to share it with me.” 

Miss Sommerville, after being with her afflicted 
friend, Mrs. Huntington, for some weeks, now find- 
ing each day: that her home and a brother’s care and 
companionship, and all her outdoor surroundings, 
were beginning to soothe and even interest her 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


89 


truthful mind, which was incased in such a healthy 
person, concluded that she must now turn her 
thoughts to disposing of some of her surplus cash. 
She knew a half dozen or more girls, in the neigh- 
borhood of Seaport, whom she thought were intel- 
ligent and reliable enough to accept good and 
thorough training as nurses for the sick. She 
purchased a favorable site, in a high and healthy 
situation near the village, on which to erect a 
free though not extensive hospital. So nurses 
would be needed. Her father, an experienced 
man of business, was ready to aid her, with the 
assistance of a young lawyer who had wandered 
to Seaport in search of rest and recreation, and 
who, being pleased with the climate, the splendid 
fishing and the energetic character of the people, 
had lingered on and on from week to week. He 
resided in Boston, and although his business might 
suffer somewhat in his absence, being also an 
author, he occupied his leisure partly in com- 
posing and writing books of various kinds. He 
was inspired by the scenery and the surroundings 
to even write verses. He was beginning to realize, 
however, that he must tear himself away from this 
too-delightful spot. 


90 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


But just before he began to prepare to leave, he 
met Mr. Sommerville whilst they were both fishing 
in the stream in two small boats, and rendering the 
old gentlemaiii some slight assistance, they rowed 
their skiffs together for some distance. As the 
young lawyer, Mr. Hubert Egmont, had a small 
lad with him, Mr. Sommerville proposed that he 
should send him away with his boat, and come to 
his home and take dinner with him. 

If you will be entirely alone, my good friend,” 
replied Mr. Egmont, I might venture to accept 
your invitation. But surely not in this rig, if 
others are to be present.” 

There will be time to send to your inn, for 
change of garments, before dinner, so do come and 
partake of our family repast.” 

Mr. Sommerville was so entertained by the 
vivacity and intelligence of Hubert’s remarks, and 
liaving heard some of the neighbors speak of him 
before, he was prompted to pursue the accidental 
acquaintance, as it was evident that he was a man 
of gentlemanly habits, and accustomed to good 
society. On reaching the house, the footman ealled 
Mr. Sommerville’s valet, who conducted the guest 
to the privacy of a room, and at length brought 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


91 


him the suit of clothes, which had been sent for, to 
the inn. Arrayed in these garments, he was almost 
a different man, for he was apt to be rather care- 
less, unless dressed for an occasion. Good dress 
was a great improvement to his appearance. There 
are some men who look their best, and are pictur- 
esque in an undress. Although he had a fine figure, 
a more formal attire was most becoming to him. 
Agnes was surprised, as she had met him on the 
river fishing, but did not recognize him as the same 
person, until he recalled some incident which had 
occurred by which she identified him. Mr. Som- 
merville consulted him in reference to the business 
of the hospital, and was pleased with his prompt 
judgment and evident ability in the law. 

Hubert wrote to two well-known law firms in 
Boston for credentials, and received them immedi- 
ately, introducing him most favorably, eulogizing 
his knowledge, standing and character. 


92 


THE EGMONT BROTHEKS. 


CHAPTER II. 

IV TOW that Mr. Sommerville was assured of his 
^ ^ position in the business community of Boston, 
he decided to ask him to take complete charge of 
the management of the estate belonging to his 
daughter, which she had recently inherited from 
her aunt. Miss Marshall, in England. Thus Mr. 
Hubert Egmont was made law agent for Miss 
Sommerville, and took his departure, in the course 
of a few weeks, to the scene of his future labors. 
Mr. Sommerville made a trip to Boston to assist 
Hubert in getting ready to sail for Europe. 

We are now going back a short period for the 
purpose of introducing his brother. Rev. Horace 
Egmont, who had recently resigned his pastorate in 
Boston on account of his opinions having become 
too much advanced for the congregation. He had 
hoped to bring it up to his own views ; but some 
of the older and very conservative members, who 
had more influence through their means than others 
had (for, unfortunately, it requires money to sustain 
churches), held back, and the incumbent minister 
concluded his work was not with them, but that he 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


93 


would be led to a set of people who were more 
liberal in their ideas, in the Lord’s own good time. 
He was very popular with the younger members of 
the congregation, but the older ones had the rule, 
on account of the finances. When will this world 
be rid of mercenary influences? Even the streams 
from the fountain of God’s truth are often sullied 
by them, though not at their source. There they 
are always bright and clear, and the freer they can 
flow, and the more force they can gather, will 
enable them in time to rid them of all such impedi- 
ments. One is tempted to exclaim, how long, O 
Lord, how long will it be before the blessed time 
arrives ? 

Hubert had met Nelly at Mr. Sommerville’s, and 
was much struck by her charm of manner and her 
appearance. He mentioned her to Horace, and also 
spoke of his admiration of Mrs. Huntington to her 
friends, Mr. and Miss Sommerville. It appeared 
that the Kev. Horace had been in the steamer on 
which the widow and her party had returned to 
their homes. When Hubert mentioned their names 
to him, he observed : Why, I came over with Mrs. 
Huntington and Mr. Sommerville. I was much 
pleased with Mr. Sommerville and his daughter, 


94 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


but I think the widow the most interesting and 
attractive woman I have ever met.’^ 

O Horace/^ said his brother, to whom all this 
was addressed, ^^you know that you are so easily 
impressed by female charms that I do not value 
your opinion very much.^^ 

She was very much depressed in spirits,^^ re- 
joined Horace, grieving for her husband, who was 
not the best in the world, so I have been told, and 
if she gets a really fine man, she will see her folly 
and recover from it.^^ 

So, brother mine,^^ said Hubert, you were hit 
harder than is usual with you, but I guess you will 
survive it.^^ 

When Mr. Sommerville and the Rev. Mr. Egmont 
met, they were mutually pleased, and Horace was 
invited to the home in Maine, to fill the pulpit 
temporarily, to see whether he would accept a call 
to the pulpit of the church near Seaport ; for the 
minister who had now charge of the church in the 
country neighborhood, had found, as he had a deli- 
cate chest, a northern climate too severe for him. 
He had expressed his intention to Mr. Sommerville, 
of resigning his charge in a few weeks, after his 
first intimation of his design. The Egmont brothers 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


95 


had a general family resemblance, but so diverse 
were they in character tliat they produced an entirely 
different effect on their friends and acquaintances. 
They were both tall and well-formed, and had 
a similar coloring; but Hubert^s hair had more 
brightness in it, and the expression of his eyes was 
more intense and keener, at times, than that of his 
brother. He was of a more determined nature. 
Horace held himself as a military man would, in 
carriage, for he was a Soldier of the Cross. He 
walked very rapidly, and was swift and direct in 
all his actions. 

Hubert was more deliberate, and consequently 
more graceful, and rather loitered along his path, 
although his character was more decided even than 
that of his brother. So this shows that outward 
indications are not always true of the internal man. 
They were both remarkably industrious, and the 
sense of duty was paramount in both. Their belief 
was that work was not only necessary to happiness, 
but, at certain times, went far towards achieving 
the redemption of the world, when actuated by 
noble motives. 

A few days after this, Mr. Sommerville departed 
for his home^ and the Rev. Horace followed him in 


96 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


a short time. The weather proving very fine, they 
enjoyed in company some good hunting and fishing, 
and extended their boating expeditions out into the 
ocean itself. Eob accompanied the two gentlemen 
on their excursions, and though he caught most of 
the fish, yet they had sufficient luck to satisfy them 
with the sport. One day Rob was in a small boat 
alone, and had been following a very large, fine 
salmon for several hours, even more for the game 
than the profit. Just as he succeeded in hauling it 
aboard, Mr. Sommerville and Horace hove in sight, 
in a larger boat. They saw Rob embrace the fish, 
and throw himself back in the boat with the prize. 
Then he began to shout and halloo triumphantly, 
throwing his feet up as a relief. The two gentlemen 
rowed their boat close by his, and Mr. Sommerville 
called out : Why Bob, what ails you, boy ? Are 
you clean daft ? 

^^No indeed, sir. Look what luck I have had. 
Isn’t he a stunner? That will bring me a ten- 
dollar bill in Boston.” 

That salmon will never see Boston ; or, rather, 
the good people of Boston shall never eat that 
salmon. I will give you ten dollars for it, with 
much pleasure, and you shall help to eat it your- 
self, Bob.” 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


97 


Mr. Sommerville had designed to have a dinner 
party, and here was his first-class opportunity. He 
invited the Rev. Horace, and on Mrs. Huntington^s 
account, whom he hoped to persuade to dine with 
them on the salmon, he asked no one else but an 
intimate friend of Miss Sommerville’s, who was 
staying at their house. The dinner came off next 
day, and Agnes and her friend exerted themselves 
to make the party pass off pleasantly, and they 
were succeeding passably well. Miss Agnes raised 
her eyes several times to Rev. Mr. Egmont^s face, 
who was conversing with her, and found that he 
was gazing at her friend, Mrs. Huntington, who 
seemed embarrassed by his evident admiration. His 
manner was always attractive, but more so when 
his sympathy was aroused ; and on this occasion 
he was feeling a good deal of emotion. He was 
rather reserved and dignified, ordinarily, but being 
excited, he expressed more freely than usual some 
of his thoughts on spiritual things. 

Agnes discovered that his doctrines and opinions 
coincided with hers exactly, and after one or two 
of her observations, he remarked : Where did you 
learn these excellent truths. Miss Sommerville ? ’’ 

7 


98 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


From a person whom you did not know ; but 
please to speak in lower tones, for it was from my 
friend^s husband. His father belonged to a peculiar 
sect, and he took much pains to instill what he con- 
sidered very valuable doctrines into the mind of 
his son, when quite young.^^ 

Notwithstanding they had lowered their voices, 
the widow caught the meaning of what they were 
saying. Poor Guy,^^ said she, would have lived 
them, in his after life, had he only have been 
spared.” 

A look of extreme sadness came over her face, 
and this caused an expression which added to her 
beauty, and made it even more effective ; so much 
so, that a great impression was made on the rather 
unsusceptible heart of the young minister. 

Agnes was much pleased to realize this state of 
affairs, for she hoped she saw, in the future, more 
real and lasting happiness, in store for her friend, 
than she ever yet had experienced. She knew the 
superiority of this young man^s character, and of 
his mental ability, and did not doubt of a great 
success for him in the work in which he had chosen 
to develop and accomplish his life’s ends. She 
thought that his influence, through his peculiar 


THE EGMONT BEOTHEES. 


99 


doctrines, would benefit her friend more than any 
thing else could do ; but she knew time would be 
necessary to obliterate the shock and trial of Guy^s 
last sad ending. Nelly was still much absorbed in 
her sorrow for one who was not worthy of such 
continued grief, and it would require some very 
inspiring affection to make her willing to venture 
again on the sea of matrimony. 

She could not but admit, in talking to Agnes, 
that though Guy was very repentant, that he did 
neglect and forsake her; and though he tried to 
atone by leaving all his fortune and possessions to 
her, with the exception of the handsome legacy to 
her own brother, the fact still remained. But he 
had been her lover and her husband, and had been 
very indulgent to her; and only during a short 
period before his death had he not been most atten- 
tive to her. So she made her mind up not to be 
inveigled into meeting this man again soon, for she 
was aware that he was beginning to take a peculiar 
interest in her. She had caught his glance several 
times, which expressed great admiration, and his 
manner towards her was peculiarly gentle. As she 
attended the church in which he preached, she of 
course listened to his eloquent sermons several times 
a week. 


100 


THE EGMONT BBOTHERS. 


She found that his discourses were exactly to her 
taste, finding such good sense in his doctrines, and 
so much earnestness in exhorting his hearers, not 
only to give part of their lives, but their hearts 
and all their powers to God and His service. 


CHAPTER III. 


HEN the widow had first returned from 



V Y France, and was settled in her home, she 
wore a gray gown, with which her brother Rob was 
so pleased, for (like most men) he disliked black 
assumed as mourning. Why, sister, what a nice, 
pretty dress you liave,^^ he exclaimed when meeting 
her, when she first wore it after her return ; I am 
glad to see that you will not confine yourself to 
dismal black gowns. But why do you not follow 
the bad example of other people, who think they 
must show their grief by their clothes ? ” 

My dear brother, my husband did not approve 
of such mourning, and made me promise never to 
adopt it, even for you, dear Bob, if I had the mis- 


THE EGMONT BBOTHEKS. 


101 


fortune to lose you, and especially for his dear self. 
In conversation, I found that the tenets which the 
young minister holds also disapprove of that out- 
ward mourning.^’ 

should really like to know more of such a 
sensible religion,^^ said Bob. 

Well, go with me next Sunday to the church, 
and hear the sermon of the new minister, and you 
will hear good common sense, and some uncommon, 
too.^^ 

Since the arrival of Mr. Egmont, Agnes and 
Nellie had exerted themselves to the utmost to im- 
prove the music and singing of the choir. The 
former had bought a large, handsome organ, and a 
young man coming to the neighborhood as a teacher, 
in one of the schools, was found to have an excep- 
tional musical talent, playing the organ as well as 
other instruments. He was at once engaged at a 
good salary, and being enthusiastic, rendered effi- 
cient aid to the two ladies in their efforts. Agnes, 
having money sufficient to devote to this cause, had 
teachers occasionally from a large town near by, to 
drill, train and instruct the youths and maidens of 
the church in singing. Agnes was so pleased to see 
that Nellie^s love of music was taking such a direc- 


102 


THE EGMONT BROTHEKS. 


tion as to be not only entertaining, but very useful 
in the service of the church. Mr. Egmont had a 
fine voice, and often attended the rehearsals and 
received encouragement, and instruction also, from 
the teachers and also the two ladies, who were each 
proficient in the musical art. Agnes also became 
interested herself, and induced her friends to become 
so, in a club which they called the Helping Hand 
Club, where each member must try to do something 
for some one else each day of the year. 

They began together to visit the poor in the 
neighborhood, and as they became more experienced 
they also became more and more judicious in the 
treatment of the cases which would arise. Nellie 
was peculiarly practical ; having spent her days in 
her early youth in an humble life, she knew just 
how to approach the poor without giving offence or 
wounding the feelings of those she wished to benefit. 
The Rev. Horace, of course, made parochial calls, 
and it was rather surprising, how often they met, 
and apparently so accidentally. 

He observed her methods with the people whom 
she was trying to help, and was struck with the 
kindness of her manner, but also with its firmness, 
and he could not help seeing that these were the 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


103 


very qualities which are peculiarly suitable for a 
minister's wife. He admired her personality very 
much, although he had always declared that very 
slim girls had his fancy. Nelly was tall, but not 
very slim. She was finely formed and well devel- 
oped, and he would have been indeed difficult to 
please if he had not admired the beautiful figure 
which a most distinguished sculptor had singled 
out for a model and for his own admiration. She 
was now a very cultivated and accomplished woman, 
and far superior to Nelly Grant, was Mrs. Guy 
Huntington. 

Agnes thought that, if the minister only knew 
what he was about, he would press his suit before 
his brother returned, for then he could not walk 
over the route undisputed. Hubert, before leaving, 
had several times expressed his great admiration 
for the widow, and, as Agnes admired Hubert 
specially, she thought there would be little chance 
for anyone else, if he once entered the field. Just 
at this time, her father received a letter from 
Hubert, saying he would return to Boston on such 
a date, and could not Mr. and Miss Sommerville 
meet him there, as there was some business to be 
attended to, and some papers to be signed. He 


104 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


was about leaving England at the date of the letter, 
so in a few days Agnes and her father started from 
Seaport neighborhood, and Nelly was left alone to 
the care and attention of Horace. He took advan- 
tage of the opportunity, and saw her as often as it 
was possible; and they were at last seen strolling 
on the sands together, and all the parish had it 
settled at once. 

The match met with the approbation of almost 
everyone, for Nelly was very popular in the neigh- 
borhood, and, as the minister was becoming more 
and more so, they hoped that the marriage tie 
would cause him to remain as incumbent to the 
church. But Nelly was not so easily won. Horace 
was not a man of the world ; he had no idea of 
how to pay those little attentions so requisite, in 
many cases, to win the female heart. He never 
thought of sending a flower, he never paid her a 
compliment, except by manner, and she, who had 
been so accustomed to all the finished attentions of 
Frenchmen and artistic people, might be supposed 
to miss it and almost resent it. But, to tell the 
truth, the'^absence of these very little things, to 
which she had been so much accustomed, of which 
she had learned the want of sincerity, and to which 


THE EGMONT BEOTHEES. 


105 


she looked back with so much sadness, proved a 
refreshing contrast ; and at last, when he did man- 
age to summon courage to make her a proposal, 
asking her if she thought that time would, with 
the assurance of his sincere affection, make her 
willing to join him in his lifers work, for he desired 
that she might understand fully that he was, and 
hoped always to be, a most busy worker, and would 
not have as much time to devote, in attention to a 
wife, as men generally have; but that, if she had 
similar views, they would work together, and thus 
enjoy each other’s companionship whenever it was 
possible, Nelly, looking up at him, met his honest 
eyes without flinching, except that she blushed 
deeply, and replied : Oh, Mr. Egmont, if anyone 
else had said those words to me, indicating a pro- 
posal of marriage, I could never forgive him. But, 
as you say you wish me for your companion to 
work, I will not now give you a negative for an 
answer, for I will, if you desire it, give myself 
time to discover if I could, as a matter of duty, 
join you for life. But you must understand dis- 
tinctly that I can give no love to anyone, for that 
is buried in a foreign country, and you are surely 
worthy of a good woman’s entire devotion.” 


106 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


Horace took her hands, and, as she looked into 
his face, he stooped and lightly imprinted a kiss on 
her lovely lips. This caress went like an electric 
shock through her whole being, for she felt that so 
pure was his nature, that a heavenly love had sug- 
gested it. Her soul was stirred, and, on looking in 
his face, she saw such emotion that she felt his affec- 
tion for her was real devotion to what was good and 
elevated in her, and not only to her very attractive 
personality. She felt the inspiration of his good- 
ness and unselfishness radiating from him to her. 

So the matter seemed to be accomplished ; but 
Nelly still did not consider it so, although Horace 
was in high spirits, and had almost, he thought, 
concluded an engagement. He knew that he could 
not marry unless the lady whose fate he wished to 
unite with his had some means. For his salary, 
though quite liberal, only at present sufficed for his 
own expenditures, as he was of a very generous 
nature, and dispensed his means rather too liber- 
ally. To ask anyone to live with him on his pay 
was asking, he considered, so great a sacrifice that 
it was not tQ_be thought of. He had been told by 
Mr. Sommerville that Mrs. Huntington was in 
independent circumstances, but he had no idea that 


THE EGMONT BROTHEKS. 


107 


she was far more than that — indeed, was rather 
wealthy. She continued to live in the cottage, and, 
although she had built a wing, which was much 
larger than the original house, yet it was still a 
very simple structure. She retained her fondness 
for a rural life, and had some very choice animals, 
and had also had built a very complete dairy-house 
over the branch of a stream which ran near her 
cottage. She still had butter made from her cows, 
and it was of such superior quality that, as she 
could not buy any equal to it, she said she would 
still continue to have it made. It is not a certainty 
that she did not sometimes help to weigh and print 
it herself. All the profits of that which was sold 
went to the poor of the little village. 


CHAPTER IV. 

H orace was now welcomed to her house, and 
Rob was becoming more and more interested 
in the conversations which he held with him and 
his sister, who introduced the subject of the new 


108 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


ideas which she had imbibed from Agnes, and upon 
which Mr. Egmont would enlarge. Rob attended 
the Sunday services quite regularly. At last he 
broke out with : Why, sister, the parson is a No. 1 
man, and I can see and am told by others that he 
lives what he preaches. I believe in him, so it will 
end by my believing his doctrines.’’ 

Rob began now to perceive, that this No. 1 man 
was being attracted by his sister, and secretly re- 
joiced, but knew he would have to proceed slowly. 
Poor Nelly still had her fits of depression on account 
of the loss of one whom she had loved, and she 
thought she never could love any one else. But 
Nelly’s standard of what a man should be was 
being gradually raised from the intellectual to the 
spiritual plane of being, so that Guy was not really 
now her ideal. 

We will now follow Agnes and her father on their 
travels, who, after spending a fortnight in Boston, 
where they saw and heard everything worth hearing 
and seeing, at length wrote announcing their return 
to their home. The carriage was dispatched to meet 
them at the iet’minus, and Hubert, who had accom- 
panied them for only a few days’ visit, saying that 
he wished to see his brother, took a seat in the 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


109 


carriage, and when passing through the village he 
asked Agnes ; ^^Does not my brother live in this 
place ? 

Just outside at a neat house, where he enjoys 
the open air on the lawn, the pretty porches, and in 
the little garden attached to the house.^^ 

I know,^^ said Hubert, that my brother loves 
the freedom of a country life as much as I do.^^ 
When they had stopped the carriage at the little 
house. Miss Sommerville said archly : I do not 
think it likely that you will find him here.^^ And 
so the maid who opened the door confirmed her 
statement. They invited Hubert to go on with 
them, and after obtaining a change of clothes in a 
travelling bag, he re-entered the coach. 

What made you say I should not find him here. 
Miss Sommerville ? inquired he. 

Because I had reason to suppose that he has a 
more agreeable place of resort.^^ She glanced at the 
young man, and saw the color surge over his face, 
and then leave it very pale. Hubert had met the 
widow once or twice, and he knew that she was the 
only one in that neighborhood, beside Agnes herself, 
whom Horace could visit. 

It seemed now that she had made an impression 
upon Hubert very suddenly, but very deeply. 


110 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


Agnes, seeing all this emotion, thought now we will 
have some brotherly affection tested,. if they prove 
to be rivals. A servant was sent, when they reached 
Englewood, to the house of Mrs. Huntington to 
deliver a note of invitation to the lady, and he had 
one also for Eev. Horace, to be delivered to him if 
he was found there. They were sitting on the vine- 
clad porch — Nelly embroidering a drapery for the 
church, and Horace reading a little book, which had 
just been issued, called The Wedding Garment,’^ 
which was interesting them both. They were very 
happy in each other’s companionship, though Horace 
had not pursued the subject on which his mind had 
been, and was still, very intent. He was waiting 
with patience, and with almost assured hope, that 
he would gain his suit. The servant having brought 
the notes which were sent by Agnes, and presented 
them on a salver to Mrs. Huntington, she began 
to read hers, and turned and asked him what his 
contained. 

He said, I am in no hurry, for I guess the con- 
tents of the notes are similar.^^ 

She finished reading hers, and said : I am asked 
to join Mr. and Miss Sommerville to meet your 
brother.^^ 


THE EGMONT BROTHEES. 


Ill 


That is the purport of my note, also.” 

I shall go over in good time ; and you — ” she 
said, interrogatively. 

will remain with you, and escort you over 
after reading a chapter or two more of this inter- 
esting volume.” 

O do not remain on my account, I pray,” said 
Nelly. 

O no ; I stay on my own,” said he, with his 
pleasant smile. 

She could but return his smile, for it was conta- 
gious. It was becoming more and more difficult to 
refrain from responding to his demonstrations of 
admiration and affection, but she still held out 
against full surrender. 

She had thought that as long as her brother was 
happy and contented with her affection and associa- 
tion, that she would be with his, and would take 
pleasure in devoting herself to his happiness and 
comfort. But one who has had ties of another 
nature, can but feel the great difference between that 
of a brother, no matter how kind, and a husband^s 
attentions. Although Guy had not been so devoted 
in the latter days of his wedded life, now that he 
had passed from her vision forever, her thoughts 


112 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


went back to the happy time that they had spent 
together soon after her marriage, when his attach- 
ment seemed equal to hers. Beside, Bob had by 
this time given his best affection to the young girl 
who had helped him nurse Mr. Huntington back 
to health, after the disaster that he met with on the 
water. She was one of the young women chosen 
by Agnes to be trained as a nurse, and she had gone, 
under her auspices, to a school in Boston for nurses, 
and had continued her education by taking charge 
of some of the wards in the free hospital, that had 
been instituted by this good girl, near Seaport. Rob 
and Gertrude Harcourt (for such was her name) had 
kept up a voluminous correspondence, and if Nellie 
had not been so absorbed by the minister’s attention 
he could not have preserved his secret of his mar- 
riage engagement as long as he did from his sister. 
So Nelly was beginning to feel the preoccupation 
of mind which such engagements generally produce 
in those concerned as a little trying to her in Rob 
occasionally; and Agnes having been away from 
home, she was more thrown for resource on the 
minister’s^ttention . 

The pleasant afternoon now sped along on the 
piazza, diversified by tea and cake, and whilst the 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


113 


phaeton was being gotten ready, Nelly ascended to 
her chamber and added some few touches to her 
becoming attire, which enhanced her charms. When 
the carriage was brought around, and the lad 
mounted the rumble, Horace took the reins. He 
was rather struck with the style and spirit of the 
horses, and the elegance of the carriage, and even 
at the boy^s fine livery. The swift pace of the ani- 
mals gave him cause to exercise his skill as a whip, 
but he was very fond of driving rapidly, as he gen- 
erally did everything else. Nelly proposed taking 
a little turn beyond Englewood, as they had time 
sufficient before the dinner hour, and she wanted to 
learn the ability of the minister to manage a spirited 
pair of nags. A woman can somewhat judge of a 
man’s character by that very test. When they 
reached their place of destination at last, Agnes and 
Hubert came forward on the grand old piazza to 
welcome them. Agnes was robed in a light pink 
gown, with natural flowers en corsage^ and a string 
of pearls in her hair. She certainly looked very 
lovely and captivating. Nelly wore a white gown 
of some soft clinging texture, made very simply, 
showing off her beautiful form to advantage, and 
being extremely becoming. Her rich hair and color, 
8 


114 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


the latter of which rose to a blush on seeing Hubert, 
was certainly very striking ; and he, with his eyes 
flashing with delight at seeing her, and also his 
brother, of whom he was very fond, made him laugh 
out joyously, which he always did whenever pleased. 
He looked quite as attractive as the widow, and as 
they stood together a more beautiful pair have sel- 
dom been beheld. Horace was truly delighted to 
se^ him again, but never was so demonstrative in 
his feelings as his brother, and he felt at once, as an 
intuition, the admiration which Nelly and Hubert 
could not avoid manifesting for each other. After 
the first impression of Hubert’s appearance had 
somewhat worn off, she turned to Horace and re- 
ceived his attentions much more graciously than 
usual. 

Agnes was fain to try to entertain Hubert and 
divert his thoughts from what he so plainly showed 
filled them. This dear little woman was so amiable, 
kind and lovable too. Hubert began to see his 
brother’s devotion to the widow, so his better nature 
came to his aid, and he turned to Agnes with an 
effort, wtich at last conquered his thoughts of self, 
and made him appreciate her kindness and attention. 
Mr. Sommerville, who had been detained on busi- 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


115 


ness, now entered the room and greeted Horace with 
much kindness and cordiality. They all repaired to 
the dining room, and Hubert, exerting all his pow- 
ers, entertained Agnes and her father, and left the 
widow to the attentions of his brother. After the 
dinner was concluded, Horace asked Nelly to walk 
out under the trees with him, and Agnes proposed 
to her father to adjourn to the music room, where 
there was a very fine organ, an excellent grand piano, 
and Agnesis elegant harp, that she had brought from 
France with her, and an old valuable violin, on 
which her father performed beautifully. 

So as Hubert played the piano, and read music 
well at sight, Mr. Sommerville, who was very much 
delighted at the idea of entering into so pleasant an 
amusement, got together his music books and those 
of Agnes, and they were very soon interested in 
playing duets and trios on the three different instru- 
ments — the harp, piano and violin — which, being 
very superior instruments, and two of the perform- 
ers very proficient, they really succeeded in pro- 
ducing some most excellent music. Not very long 
after they began, Nelly, hearing the strains at the 
foot of the lawn where they had been straying, pro- 
posed to the Eev. Horace to return at least near 


116 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS, 


enough to the house to be able to enjoy the music. 
Then, when Hubert began to sing, she could resist 
the attraction no longer, but ascending the steps, 
entered one of the French windows into the music 
room, followed by Horace. Horace knew now that 
he would be cast into the shade completely by the 
talents and brilliancy of his brother, in his musical 
performance. Mr. Sommerville, laying down his 
violin, approached Mrs. Huntington and asked her 
if she could not be induced to sing a trio with his 
daughter and Mr. Hubert Egmont, while Agnes 
accompanied them at the same time on her harp. 
Horace had not very much talent for music, though 
possessor of a fine baritone voice, and he had learned 
to accompany himself on the organ. He sat down 
to listen to the impromptu concert with a very min- 
gled feeling of delight with the music, and a certain 
sense of disappointment. 

Hubert, although half in love with Nelly, re- 
solved not to annoy his brother by paying her any 
attention ; so he devoted himself to Miss and Mr. 
Sommerville. Agnes having heard Horace sing, 
now asked him to favor them, offering to accompany 
him either on the piano or the organ. He preferred 
the latter, as he said it helped his voice, and he was 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


117 


accustomed to the instrument. He chose a beautiful 
sacred piece of music, and sang it with so much 
purity of intonation, and with such a rich, soft 
volume of sound, that those present were both 
delighted and surprised. It was on a plane of ele- 
vation that Horace always appeared at his best. 

This room in which this delightful music was 
made, had been built by Agnes, after her return 
from England, on improved scientific principles, and 
both Hubert and Horace observed how much more 
easily they could sing in that room than in any 
other they had ever tried. They remarked this to 
Mr. Sommerville, and he said that great care and 
pains had been taken in its construction and its 
acoustic possibilities. So after a very delightful 
evening, Mrs. Huntington bade them all adieu, 
giving an invitation to the whole party to dine with 
her the next evening, with the promised acceptance 
by all. A close carriage, with one of her maids, 
had been brought over by her careful coachman, in 
which she was to return. Rob met her at the door 
at home, and apologized for not having gone for 
her, as he had not known of the invitation of Miss 
Sommerville, which had also included him, but he 
had reached home too late to attend the party, and 


118 


THE EGMONT BROTHEES. 


the servant knowing this, had neglected to give it 
to him. The carriage had departed, therefore, with- 
out being driven to the house, so he knew nothing 
of it until he heard the horses coming up the drive, 
and went to the door to meet his sister. After she 
had recounted the pleasures of the evening, and told 
him of the beautiful music to which each one of the 
party had contributed, he said : 

Well, Nelly, there is only one compensation for 
me, in having missed all these delights, and that is, 
that I should have been the only one who could not 
have added to the enjoyment of the others.’^ 

Well, Rob,^^ said his sister, ^Hhat is surely your 
own fault, for you certainly have a good voice, but 
it lacks cultivation very much, my boy, and you 
lack the industry which that cultivation would re- 
quire to accomplish anything.^^ 

No, sister, neither industry nor perseverance do 
I lack, but the time. This world is too busy a 
world for a man like me, who sees the sufferings 
and necessities of so many people, to spend time in 
mere accomplishments, when I could so much better 
devote it^io more real earnest work for the benefit 
of mankind. I am sure that the Rev. Mr. Egmont 
could not be induced to spend time in such a manner. 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


119 

He, having remarkable talent, can acquire anything 
he chooses very rapidly, but I should have to spend 
more time, and work harder by half than he would ; 
and then a mental worker requires that sort of 
recreation which I do not, thank heaven.^^ 

Hubert and Horace returned to the little cottage 
that evening, and both passed a restless night. They 
were beginning to admire Agnes much more than 
they had done, and were pleased with her kind 
tact and unselfish conduct which had made the 
evening so pleasant to all, when the prospect had 
been for anything else. Horace had such a genu- 
inely sweet nature, naturally, and now his principles 
had taught him manly self-denial, his kind and 
thoughtful consideration for others was even more 
evident than ever before. His brother was ex- 
tremely fond of him, and admired his fine qualities, 
and followed his example as much as his impulsive 
and enthusiastic nature permitted. He was of a 
different temperament, and although as good a man 
as his brother, yet he seemed to have greater tempta- 
tions, as he had more imagination. The minister, 
of course, was expected to have and really had 
more patience with the shortcomings and faults of 
other people than the lawyer. 


120 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


Seldom have brothers been so united as these 
were in sympathy and affection, and it grieved 
Horace to think that he might stand in his brother\s 
way in anything. He was almost ready to relin- 
quish his pretensions to Nellyas favor, when he 
thought that Hubert had so deep an interest in her, 
so noble and so self-sacrificing was he. But this 
was the most severe test of his power to give up 
his own desires that he had yet experienced. He 
said to himself : I must wait and discover if Mrs. 
Huntington is not so interested in me that she will 
prefer me as a husband even before my attractive 
brother. If so, I will have no right to sacrifice 
her, as well as myself, for Hubert^s sake.^^ 


CHAPTER V. 



’HEN in England, Miss Agnes had met a 


baronet who was very much pleased with 


her beauty^and manners. He had seen her picture, 
when exhibited in London, and knowing who the 
painter was, he had gone over to Paris and visited 


THE EGMONT EROTHEES. 


121 


Mr. Huntington and made his acquaintance. In 
speaking of the picture, and expressing his great 
admiration of it, both of its subject and the unusual 
skill with which it was delineated, Mr. Huntington, 
who was pleased with his remarks, having had an 
introduction to him through a mutual friend, had 
inquired into his antecedents, and finding that he 
really was what he represented himself to be, had 
asked permission of Agnes to present to her the 
young English baronet. Although he had a title, 
and quite an extensive estate, he was not favored 
with much fortune. He had seen a good deal of 
the world, and was of a suitable age to marry Agnes. 
He had a very good appearance and gentlemanly 
manners. He had made it a point to see a good 
deal of Agnes, and met her as often as he possibly 
could at the different places of amusement which 
she frequented with her father and Mrs. Huntington. 

He called frequently at the hotel in which the 
Sommervilles were staying in Paris ; but they were 
away from the house so much that he had not seen 
her, except in public. This young man was merely 
indulging himself in admiration of a pretty, at- 
tractive woman, without having any idea of pro- 
posing any tie nearer than that of acquaintanceship. 


122 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


Mrs. Huntington, thinking he was really in love 
with Agnes, had told her that she did not think he 
was worthy of her serious attention. 

You know, my dear friend, that your religious 
opinions are becoming more and more decided, and 
if you accepted a man of either different views, 
or, more likely, one who has no views on serious 
subjects whatever, you would not have that true 
enjoyment and sympathy which one ought to have 
in so close a connection. Even the happiest marriage 
is not all paradise, and I think you should beware 
of encouraging this young man. I have so high an 
opinion of you that, if you don’t meet with a man 
of right views and high principles to be your 
partner for life, you had much better remain un- 
married. You have so many resources in your 
mind and in your accomplishments, that you need 
never fear of not being a happy, comfortable old 
maid.” 

Agnes laughed heartily at this long speech of her 
friend, and said : Oh, Nelly ! if you go on as you 
have begun you will be equal to Solomon in wisdom. 
I have noJdea of encouraging any designs than 
mere amusement, and as he means only that, I am 
equal to him on his own ground.” 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


123 


Well, Agnes, I have said my say ; perhaps I 
have been mistaken, but experience makes one more 
or less suspicious.^^ 

After the return of the baronet to England, some 
six months after, he heard of the large legacy which 
Agnes had inherited from her aunt. Miss Marshall. 
So he soon found that he had to come to America 
to look after some tracts of land which he wished 
to purchase to provide for his younger brother who 
had neither title, lands nor money. Many of the 
fathers of English younger sons of the nobility 
have bought up lands in the far West, and stocked 
them with cattle and sheep ; and have turned them 
into ranches for the benefit of these impecunious 
youth. 

The baronet reached Englewood, on his way to 
the West, the day after the informal party spoken 
of, and was invited by the Sommer villes to accom- 
pany them to Mrs. Huntington^s cottage, to dine 
and spend the evening. Agnes had written a note 
to her friend asking permission to bring Sir Philip, 
which she had granted. Mrs. Huntington did not 
put into the note which she sent to Agnes her 
thoughts on the subject, but they were not very 
complimentary to the Englishman. These thoughts 


124 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


were that he had just about time to become aware 
of the fact of the accession of fortune which Agnes 
had had ; and now that her other charms were set 
in a gold frame, he would condescend to ask her to 
share her fortune with him. He considered that 
his title and his estates and his own agreeable self 
would more than counterbalance all and every thing, 
herself included, that she could confer on him. 
The brothers were introduced to him, and he found, 
to his surprise, during the evening spent at the 
cottage, that he was put on his mettle ; so had to 
exert himself to the utmost to compete with both 
the men and the women in the party in conversation. 
Hubert was a most lively and interesting talker, 
and being a fine orator, he was very fluent, and 
could distance almost any one in the race if he cared 
enough to try to do so. But as the baronet’s atten- 
tions were devoted to Agnes, he allowed him to 
walk over the track unmolested, as far as he was con- 
cerned, except by an occasional witty or humorous 
remark, which he could not resist from flinging at 
the swell ; for Sir Philip never forgot that he had 
a title, ancT had quite a self-important air about 
him. Rob had less patience than any of the others ; 
for the rest had all been in Europe, and were more 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


125 


accustomed to meeting people of rank, and, seeing 
how they were bowed down to abroad, were not so 
surprised and put out by his manner. After a very 
pleasant dinner, the gentlemen and the Sommervilles 
drove over to Englewood, where they were invited 
to remain the night by the hospitable host, Mr. 
Sommerville ; and after a late breakfast, next day, 
they went out on the lawn all ready for an expedi- 
tion to some distant hills, from which there were 
some very fine views. 

The day proved auspicious, and cool enough to 
be bracing ; so they were joined by Mrs. Huntington 
and Rob, whom she had persuaded to give her the 
morning. After mutual greetings, some of them 
entered the carriages and the rest mounting their 
horses, and all being in fine spirits, anticipating a 
delightful excursion. Agnes was accompanied by 
a groom, so that, if too fatigued before the end of 
the day, he might lead her horse and she take a seat 
in Nellyas coach. Rob was on a very spirited nag, 
and showed to advantage, being such an excellent 
horseman ; which was rarely ever the case with those 
who are much on board vessels. But he was an 
exception to this rule. Mr. Sommerville had re- 
quested Hubert to go to his stables, and choose 


126 


THE EGMONT BKOTHERS. 


whatever horse he preferred. He was dearly fond 
of a fine animal, and as Mr. Sommerville had 
requested him to select a horse, he had risen very 
early in the morning and had been in the stables an 
hour or two before breakfast examining, trying the 
different horses, and hearing the opinions of the 
chief hostler on the points and capacities of the fine 
show animals which were in the stable. Mr. Som- 
merville, having now his own fortune, chose to 
invest some of it in the way he loved best, and kept 
quite a stud. When the animals were led round 
for the start, Mrs. Huntington and Agnes were 
surprised that Hubert had chosen so large and 
powerful a horse. He had to ride off with Rob 
ahead, as the carriages could not begin to keep up 
with the rapid gait which these horses maintained, 
to the pleasure of their riders. The baronet, though 
secretly wishing to join these two men, as he had 
done little else but ride to hounds all his life, yet 
thought it to his best interest to say, that he pre- 
ferred a seat in Mrs. Huntington’s coach, where 
already was seated Horace. 

must- reserve a place for my friend,” said 
Nelly, but when she is ready to come with us, if 
you will take the reins, the coachman can go behind 
with the footman.” 


THE EGMONT BKOTHERS. 


127 


Sir Philip agreed to this arrangement, and pro- 
posed carrying it out at once, for he thought it was 
much better than sitting with the pair and taxing 
his brain for conversation. Horace was quite dis- 
concerted, for, although he sat inside and the baronet 
was out on the box, for fear of being overheard, 
he had no opportunity of conversation of such a 
nature as to discover Nellyas present state of mind. 
Her manner was very gracious to him, but he 
thought he perceived an unusual amount of interest 
shown in Hubert^s movements and skill. She made 
inquiries about his horsemanship, and seemed quite 
solicitous for his safety. He thought ; I must 
have patience, and either wait for another chance or 
allow time to develop what is in store for me in the 
future.^^ 

After what all pronounced a charming day, as the 
views fully came up to expectation, they returned 
home safely ; and, after luncheon, the gentlemen 
took their departure, the Rev. Horace going to his 
home, and Hubert to the hotel with Sir Philip 
Durant, where they exchanged ideas ; and upon 
Hubert saying he would, he feared, be compelled to 
go again to England about an estate he had in 
charge there. Sir Philip became at once interested 


128 


THE EGMONT BKOTHERS. 


and inquisitive on the subject, asked many questions 
about the estate and the revenues therefrom — so 
Hubert concluded to watch this fortune hunter, and 
protect his client if he found it necessary. 

Agnes soon perceiving the intentions of the baro- 
net, concluded to take a trip from home, to avoid 
his constant presence ; for now he came to Engle- 
wood without invitation. But before she left she 
was compelled to listen to a proposal of marriage 
from him, and as he went off abruptly, after he had 
made it, we can draw our own conclusions. At her 
father^s request, she deferred her departure from 
Englewood for a short time. Mr. Sommerville had 
noticed the partiality of Agnes for Hubert, and as 
he thought the minister was paying serious atten- 
tions to Nelly, and concluded, from his own appro- 
bation and admiration of the Rev. Horace, that 
Nelly had the same tastes as himself, he thought it 
would certainly end in a marriage, and a most suit- 
able one, he remarked to himself. He had wished 
that his daughter and the minister should have made 
a match ; but as neither of them seemed to share in 
his wish,iie had resigned it with much reluctance. 

He had had such comfort in the Reverend, not 
only in his principles but in his judgment, and he 


THE EGMONT BROTHEES. 


129 


thought his disposition was so calculated to make a 
wife and a household happy that he regretted it 
exceedingly. Knowing that Agnes had a large 
income to dispose of each year, he thought after his 
death, which could not be so very far distant, it 
would require a judicious man to advise and to help 
her to distribute it where it would be most efficient 
and be most lasting. However, he thought Hubert 
would be next best of all the men he knew, and if 
Agnes preferred him, she should have her wish. 


CHAPTER VI. 



S Hubert spoke of returning to Boston, Mr. 


Sommerville said that he and Agnes would 
go as far as that city with him, and then proceed 
immediately to New York. Hubert was pleased 
with this proposal, for he liked Mr. Sommerville, 
and was grateful to him for his hospitality and very 
kind attentions. Having very little vanity, he did 
not suspect for a moment that Agnes cared for him 
otherwise than as a friend. In a few days they 


9 


130 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


were all ready for the start. After a very sorrowful 
farewell to Mrs. Huntington, for although he made 
great effort to restrain any indication of his regret, 
his expressive countenance betrayed him. Fortun- 
ately, Horace was not present on that occasion. 
Mrs. Huntington also showed emotion when saying 
good-bye, and was much provoked at herself 
for her want of resolution. 

So the party of three went to Boston, and had the 
good fortune to meet Ellen Terry and Sir Henry 
Irving, and see them in some of their finest charac- 
ters at one of the Boston theatres. They attended 
lectures, delivered by the first men in the lecture 
field, heard concerts and frequented the opera house ; 
and next to the music, Agnes was most pleased with 
the flower shows, for which Boston is so famous, 
and in which the people of ^^The Hub^^ excel in 
their arrangement of the superb plants and flowers 
exhibited. After a fortnight spent in this delight- 
ful way, when Agnes and Hubert were together 
almost constantly, as he yielded to her father’s in- 
vitations to drive with her, and to accompany them 
on every occasion, Hubert began to think that 
as he couldn’t get the one he loved most, as his 
brother was before him in that quarter, that he 


THE EGMONT BKOTHERS. 


131 


might possibly in the future (if Miss Sommerville 
was as gracious to him then as now), ask her to join 
him in his lifers pilgrimage, as he had now more 
cause to expect success. But if encouragement had 
not been extended to him he should not have 
thought of it, for his mind was still on Nelly. 

After Agnes and her father had bade Hubert 
farewell, they continued their journey to New York. 
Before Mr. Sommerville had left Boston, he had 
told Hubert that he thought he had better begin to 
prepare for a second trip to England. Accord- 
ingly, his preparations were under way very soon, 
and having taken his passage in a steamer, in the 
course of a week he was on the Atlantic Ocean. 

Mrs. Huntington felt quite lost after her friend 
and Mr. Hubert Egmont and Mr. Sommerville 
had left the neighborhood. Of course, she and the 
Reverend Horace were thrown together by circum- 
stances, although there being a great deal of sickness 
in the neighborhood, among the poorer classes, the 
minister was much engaged in visiting them. He 
kept Mrs. Huntington and all her maids busy 
making and furnishing delicacies for the sick people. 

One day at the table Rob said : Sister, I have 
something to tell you, which I consider the best 


132 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


piece of news I have ever imparted to you. I don^t 
know if you will consider it such, but I am about 
to leave your home, sister.^^ 

That means, Rob, that you intend taking unto 
yourself a wife, and I am very glad of your hap- 
piness.^^ 

^‘Besides this,^^ said Rob, want to propose 
to you to aid me in what is quite an undertaking 
for me, but of which the responsibility will be 
very much lessened, if you would join me in its 
accomplishment.^’ 

Rob, I wonder if I don’t guess near the truth, 
when I think that it is a trip to Europe that you 
are contemplating?” 

Why, you must be a witch or a mind-reader to 
name the truth so precisely,” enjoined her brother. 

So you wish me to be of the party, Rob ? It 
would be very pleasant on some accounts, but you 
remember that I have just bought that farm, and 
expect to build a commodious house upon it for my 
own place of residence, in order that you may be 
nicely housed in our cottage.” 

O sister dear, that is like yourself ; but you 
could postpone building your house for another six 
months, and then I know you wish to have us live 


THE EGMONT BROTHEKS. 


133 


with you until the other mansion is completed. So 
that will break our separation more gradually, and 
if you prefer that I and Gertrude should take the 
care of this house off your hands while we are with 
you, we should both be delighted to do so. You 
know, dear sister, how poorly I can speak French, 
and how little I know of the language compara- 
tively. So that not only your pleasant society will 
be valuable to Gertrude and myself as travelling 
companion, but exceedingly so as an interpreter.’^ 

^^Why, Rob, there is scarcely anything in my 
power that I would refuse you, so if you will give 
me time, I will arrange my affairs so that they can 
be left.^^ 

Rob was very much delighted, and sat doAvn and 
wrote to the girl he was engaged to, commencing 
with Dear Gertie : — Did any man ever have so 
good a sister as I have,^^ and then relating all the 
circumstances which we have just told, wound up 
by saying: Hurry up with that everlasting trous- 
seau, so that we can all be ready in less than a 
month ; and, as you have an aunt living in Seaport, 
my sister wishes you to come up and be married in 
their little church, near her home, and go immedi- 
ately from Seaport after the ceremony with her in 


134 


THE EGMONT BROTHEES. 


company to Boston, where we will take the steamer 
for our trip across/^ So endeth the first lesson. 

When Agnes and her father returned, she was 
very much surprised at the sudden determination 
of her friend, who said to her : I would try to 
persuade you to accompany the party, only I don’t 
think it would be best for those we leave behind, 
for us both to absent ourselves at the same time; 
particularly, as Bob is to be away for at least six 
months.” So in less time than they had at first 
supposed, the bride consented to name the day. 
Rob went for her to her native village, and brought 
her up to her aunt’s house in Seaport. Nelly went 
immediately to call upon her, taking with her a 
profusion of flowers, and several handsome and 
valuable wedding gifts. 

The one Gertrude seemed to be most pleased with, 
was a small oil painting of Nelly herself, painted 
by her husband, the artist. As Mrs. Huntington 
had a similar one on a much larger canvas, and one 
or two others taken at different times painted by her 
husband, she felt that she could spare to her dear 
brother and his wife some of Guy’s handiwork. 
The wedding was very pretty; the bride looking 
very modest and sweet in her simple attire, and 


THE EGMONT BKOTHEKS. 


135 


Rob happy and proud. The Reverend Horace 
performed the ceremony, and presented a very 
handsome Bible to the married pair. Miss Agnes 
gave them a breakfast set of silver, and Mr. Som- 
merville donated to them a handsome carriage, for 
Rob already possessed an excellent horse. For fear 
that her brother could not afford to give the minister 
as fee as much as Nelly wished him to have, she 
handed Rob a large pocket-book with The Rev. 
Horace Egmont^^ in gilt letters on the outside, and 
in it was enclosed five one hundred dollar notes. 
In visiting the poor with Mr. Egmont, she had 
observed his great liberality towards them, and 
she feared he deprived himself too much of those 
things which he really required. Upon opening the 
pocket-book, after reaching home, as he took one 
note out after another, he thought Grant must have 
made a mistake, and he had a mind to write him 
a note and ask an explanation. But it suddenly 
flashed over his mind that this was his sister’s gift 
instead of his, so he changed his purpose. 

He had begun before this to suspect that Mrs. 
Huntington was possessed of far more means than 
he had supposed, and now this confirmed him in his 
suspicions ; and, when on meeting Mr. Sommerville 


136 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


he questioned him about it, he found that Nelly was 
really a wealthy woman. He felt very much dis- 
couraged, and when he went down to the station to 
see the wedding party start, he thought that perhaps 
he had been presumptuous, and that all chance of 
success was over for him. 

Nelly seemed very sorry to part with Agnes, and 
told the E-everend that she hoped that he and Agnes 
would be better friends now than ever. As the 
minister was about to pursue his way to his own 
home, Mr. Sommerville laid a hand on his arm and 
said: ‘^Come, come, my friend. Don’t give way to 
despondency, but get into the carriage with us; 
and, as it is a lovely day, I will drive you and 
Agnes for a long round among the hills, and then 
return to our house for a luncheon, and we shall 
claim you for the rest of the day to console each 
other for the loss of our friends.” 

Agnes missed the companionship of Hubert so 
much after his departure, she was very glad to talk 
to his brother, who constantly reminded her of him. 
Mr. Sommerville, who possessed much information, 
and who had travelled and had considerable experi- 
ence of the world, was a most agreeable man, and 
knew how to introduce subjects of conversation and 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


137 


expatiating on them, to draw out the sympathies 
and expressions of his hearers, without being pe- 
dantic or tiresome. So by the time they had taken 
their drive and eaten their luncheon, and Agnes and 
her father had played the piano and violin, the 
world did not look quite so black to the two young 
people who were left behind. 

The health of Miss Sommerville had never been 
very strong, and being of a very sensitive nature, 
the excitement of parting with her friend, Hubert, 
and afterwards with Nelly, had upset her very 
much. On this account her father encouraged the 
minister to come out and ride with her on horseback, 
as she really seemed too weak to walk very much. 
His kind attentions were soothing to her, and his 
religious sentiments met with her full approbation. 
So always once during the twenty-four hours, 
Horace was to be found in her company. She 
hadn^t forgotten Hubert, but next to him, she pre- 
ferred his brother to all others. 

One. morning, at the breakfast table, the servant 
brought in the daily paper, and on the front page 
was the picture of a large steamer foundering at sea. 
It proved to be the steamer in which Hubert had 
sailed. Agnes fainted away, and it was some time 


138 


THE EGMONT BROTHEKS. 


before she could be restored to consciousness. As 
soon as the Rev. Horace saw the account, he hurried 
out to see his friends. Agnes had recovered her- 
self somewhat by this time; and, as there had 
been several boat-loads of the passengers and crew 
saved, they had still the hope to sustain them, 
that Hubert would be among those. It was im- 
possible, as yet, to obtain a list of the names of 
those in the boats, so they had to bear the suspense 
with the best patience they could for a few days. 
In this dreadful uncertainty, Horace was the greatest 
comfort to Agnes, because they sympathized so 
completely, being so in accord in their affection 
for Hubert. 

The steamer in which Mrs. Huntington and her 
brother and his wife took passage, was a much 
swifter sailer than the ship in which Hubert was, 
so, though several days behind in starting, she over- 
took the boats which had been rowing towards her, 
and they were relieved of their contents by the 
steamer. As Nelly, Rob, and his wife were stand- 
ing near the gangway, looking at the people coming 
aboard fronr the boats, and a small schooner which 
had rescued them from the boats, they heard a shout 
and a ringing laugh, and looking up saw Hubert 


THE EGMONT BROTHEKS. 


139 


entering the ship. They were all perfectly delighted 
to meet again. Joy lit up his expressive face as he 
clasped Nellyas hand, and she was surprised at his 
manner, which was so much less restrained than it 
had been when she was at home. 

Rob liked the talk of the bright agreeable young 
man, and, of course, he attached himself to their 
party. How lucky, sister, we are to have this 
addition ; as you would not stay with Gertrude and 
myself, as much as we wished you to, I suppose out 
of consideration for us. So now you have a friend 
who can entertain you much better than we could, 
and as well as any one I know. Then he is, as 
you know, the brother of your dear friend, the 
Rev. Mr. Egmont. Nelly, I felt sorry for him 
that you to leave him ; but, I shall only have 
you for six months longer, and he will, perhaps, 
for life.^^ 

nonsense, Rob; don^t go too fiist, my dear. I 
think your having a wife, has somewhat turned 
your head.^^ 

So Hubert devoted himself to the widow. He 
had been restrained by a sense of honor before, 
but now, he considered, as they had been thrown 
together in this remarkable and mysterious manner. 


140 


THE EGMONT BROTHEKS. 


as he fully believed by Providence, he did not try 
to conceal his feelings any longer. He thought, 
perhaps, that Nelly’s affections had been enlisted 
too fully by his brother, but the temptation was 
greater than he or most any other man could have 
withstood. 


CHAPTER VII. 

S HE was surprised at the large fund of infor- 
mation which he possessed, and so delight- 
fully imparted with graceful, animated gesture and 
manner; and in it all so perceptible, the high 
motives swaying his mind, the depth of his feeling 
for humanity at large, the broad views he had of 
life, and, above all, she began to perceive his great 
devotion to herself. He restrained his ardor and 
refrained from confidence, but love spoke out of liis 
eloquent face by his very expression, more clearly 
than words could utter. 

Nelly began to seek Rob and Gertrude, and even 
stay in her cabin a good deal ; but she felt his 
fascination, and she began to think of Horace with 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


141 


sadness. Hubert knew that his brother was not 
capable of such deep emotion ; that he had been 
pleased before by a woman, and had entirely re- 
covered any disappointment which might have 
befallen him. In fact, he did not think that the 
feeling that Horace had for the widow, equalled 
his at all ; that he did not care for this beautiful 
and attractive creature, half as much as he did. 
Nelly now seemed so much engaged, and although 
the weather was fine, was absent so much from the 
deck, that Hubert began to suspect that he was the 
cause of it, and as he did not want to deprive her 
of the exercise and fresh air, he began to feel 
despondent, and remained indoors himself — so 
much so, that at last he took to his berth, and 
could sleep none, and at length refused to eat. 

Rob, missing him for a couple of days, went to 
hunt him up, and found him in a fever. He had 
passed through so much excitement in the ship- 
wreck, and the repulse which Nelly’s manner had 
given him, had been too much for his equanimity. 
Grant went for the doctor, who said that Mr. 
Egmont was very much prostrated, and the steward 
had said that he hadn’t eaten anything for several 
days. The doctor administered a sedative, and told 


142 


THE EGMONT BEOTHERS. 


Rob he had better take charge of him, and that he 
must have the most concentrated and nourishing 
foods, or else he would certainly die. The symp- 
toms indicate,^^ said the doctor, that his trouble is 
more mental than physical. Find out what is the 
matter with him, my dear sir, for we must minister 
to the mind diseased.’^ 

So Rob, listening, while in the delirium of fever, 
discovered Hubert^s secret. He told Nelly that he 
was literally starving himself to death. ^^Why, 
Nelly, he can’t sleep, and refuses to eat. So I 
think, if you would come and persuade him to 
take something, he would do so.” 

Oh, Rob, do you think it is my duty to go ? 
Because, if so, I certainly will.” 

Yes,” replied Rob. If we can help a fellow 
mortal, should we ever refuse ? ” 

Rob then went and told the sick man that his 
sister had asked if he would see her. He sprang 
up in the bed, and said : Wash my face and 

brush my hair.” It was the first interest he had 
shown in anything since he had given up to be 
sick. H^ even went so far as to have his night- 
robe changed, and he said : Rob, do you think 

she will be frightened at me?” 


THE EGMONT BEOTHERS. 


143 


Well, you look pretty gaunt, and, if you don’t 
eat something, and try and get better looking, I 
don’t think she will stay with you very long.” 

Rob went off, and soon returned, bringing his 
sister; and, at the sight of her, his whole face 
flushed painfully, and Rob felt anxious for fear his 
feverishness would return, so great was his excite- 
ment. Nelly sat down beside him, in a quiet, soft 
voice asked him a few questions, and, laying her 
hand on his, she brought the most happy look into 
his poor face. She said : Won’t you let me give 
you some refreshment, my dear Mr. Egmont ? ” 

Oh, yes, Nelly ; I will take anything you offer 
me, and obey all your behests.” 

After this Nelly and her brother were with him 
alternately, and, with their careful nursing and 
encouraging words, they induced him to venture 
upon deck, as soon as he was able to stand. Two 
strong seamen carried him up in the morning, and 
he kept in a reclining chair all day, and either Rob 
Grant or his wife, or Mrs. Huntington, were beside 
his chair constantly. He did not improve as fast 
as they had hoped at first, until one day Nelly, 
seeing him very much depressed, put her hand on 
his and called him ^^Dear Hubert.” He clasped 


144 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


her hand, and poured out his affection in most 
eloquent words, and Nelly did not repulse him. 
He would not be satisfied until she had admitted 
that it was only the idea of her having allowed his 
brother’s devotion, and feared it might not be 
strictly honorable to him, that she had not accepted 
his attentions more generally on board the steamer ‘ 
at first. So Nelly was rather forced — but, I must 
admit, not against her inclination — to accept the 
offer of marriage which Hubert made her. She 
very soon forgot everything but the delight of the 
fact that she had won the heart of not only the 
brightest, intellectually, of any man she had ever 
known, but that he was one of those men who were 
actuated by the best motives. She felt now that 
she had met all the requirements which she wished 
in a life companion. He spoke of work, but he 
was to perform it ; she was not asked to assist him. 
She was only to encourage him, and make his home 
and him happy by her consideration and care. 

People may blame them, but it seemed inevit- 
able, and, under the circumstances, it is not to be 
wondered at. Poor, dear Horace,” said Hubert 
to himself ; he will love her almost as much, as 
my wife, as if she were his own.” So they reached 


THE EGMONT BEOTHERS. 


145 


the end of their journey without any more inci- 
dents, and Rob, though surprised, thought that his 
sister must know what suited her better than any- 
one else did, and, though he felt very sorry for 
Horace, he really thought Hubert was a more 
fitting husband for his sister of the two men. They 
landed at Liverpool, and went immediately to Lon- 
don, where they spent a week in seeing the sights, 
intending to return later and finish them up. 
Then, from there to Scotland, visiting Edinburgh, 
and the beautiful Highlands and lakes. In their 
route they met several people, who were travelling 
in a party. 

Among these were the families of two English 
artists whom Mrs. Huntington had known in Paris. 
They were pleasant people, and were delighted to 
meet her once more, and asked, as a favor, that 
they might join them. Mr. Jerome, an artist of 
some distinction, was the father of one of the fami- 
lies. He was a pleasant, intelligent man, and 
Hubert, with his assistance, kept up a most ani- 
mated conversation whenever they were so situated 
that they could listen, without too much effort. 
Hubert generally took the lead, as he was much 
more wide-awake than most people. He had great 
10 


146 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS, 


powers of observation and a remarkable memory, 
and, as he was fond of talking, he communicated the 
fruits of his observation in an entertaining manner. 

After seeing that most interesting city of Edin- 
burgh to great advantage, as it happened — which 
was a very rare thing — that it didn’t rain a single 
day all the time they were there. So the different 
points of interest were visited in a more agreeable 
manner than was usual in that far-famed city. The 
castle and palace of Holyrood are so well known to 
all readers, and those who have crossed the water 
and visited that most picturesque country, that I 
refrain from a description of either. 

Mr. Egmont began to remember that he came 
out to Europe to attend to the estate of which he 
was agent. So, mentioning it to Mrs. Huntington, 
she urged him to hasten back to England, and to 
attend to his law duties, before he indulged her 
with any more sight-seeing. Grant and his wife 
remained over a few days longer, to visit the 
romantic lakes, which are so very attractive to all 
lovers of Scott and Wordsworth. Rob said to his 
sister : How unfortunate, Nelly, that you can’t 

go with us to the lakes. You will certainly miss 
the most charming part of the Scotch tour.” 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


147 


Well, I think that part of it will make a 
delightful resort after our marriage. Indeed, it 
would be a pleasant wedding trip.’^ 

Egmont and the widow, accompanied by a Scotch 
lassie who had taken a fancy to Mrs. Huntington 
at the hotel, and had asked her to take her as her 
maid, as she wished to go to America, and was 
accomplished as a lady^s maid (and, if Mrs. Hunt- 
ington would allow her, she would take some 
lessons in hair-dressing, in London, to perfect her- 
self in that art). As Nelly had not brought a maid 
with her, and had first-class recommendation of 
this girl, she consented to the arrangement. So 
Effie White took service at once, and accompanied 
her mistress and Hubert to England. The lawyers 
in the nearest large town to Miss Marshall’s estate 
had been consulted by Hubert, on his first visit to 
England, in regard to some points of English law, 
relative to landed property. He so soon acquired 
all the information they could give him, that they 
were struck with his cleverness. So, on calling, 
during this visit, to the town where they were, they 
welcomed him with more than cordiality. After a 
conversation, they made him an offer, to take him 
into their business firm, if he would bring with 


148 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


him the agency of the estate in question. Hubert 
did not ask for time to consider, because nothing 
could tempt him — so patriotic was he — to forsake 
his own native land. He did not fancy, either, the 
class distinctions, which are so marked in England, 
and he declined the honor promptly. 

Upon returning to the hotel, he mentioned the 
incident to Mrs. Huntington, and remarked, at the 
same time, that he was afraid the hinges of his 
neck were too stiff to bow down to nobility, or 
even to royalty; that, to his American mind, the 
subserviency of the people in Europe was almost 
revolting. He believed, with Burns, that man^s 
a man for a’ that,^^ if he is only nature’s nobleman. 

From Carlisle they went to London, and, after 
spending a few days, and enjoying the opera and 
some of the other amusements, and hearing, at 
Westminster Abbey, a magnificent sermon by 
Bishop Brookes, of Boston, in a few days after, 
wended their way to Brighton. Nelly had received 
from Mr. Stone, the sculptor, a note, enquiring 
how long she would be in London, to which she 
did not reply until after they reached Brighton. 
She then wrote to Mr. Stone, telling him where 
they were, having been joined by her brother and 


THE EGMONT BEOTHEHS. 


149 


sister-in-law in the meantime. They met many 
agreeable people at Brighton, and some former 
acquaintances of Mrs. Hiintington^s, and one or 
two who were really friends. Nelly wrote Mr. 
Stone that they would be in Brighton several 
weeks, as he had in his note proposed joining them, 
wherever they were. 

One day Nelly, Hubert, and a couple of his 
acquaintances, went on a driving party. They 
drove along the beach for a long distance, and, 
arriving at a very nice inn, they proposed to each 
other to alight and have a luncheon. Mr. Stone, 
having arrived at Brighton immediately after their 
departure, followed them swiftly in a vehicle, urg- 
ing the driver, by bribing him liberally, to make 
all haste possible. He did not overtake them, 
however, until they were seated in the balcony of 
the inn. When he arrived, he was very much sur- 
prised to see how much more beautiful Mrs. Hunt- 
ington was than when he had last met her. She 
had always had, during his acquaintance with her 
heretofore, a very sad, pensive expression. But 
now she looked in splendid health, and happiness 
irradiated her lovely face. After the ceremony of 
introduction had been passed through, they sat at 


150 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


the table, in a beautiful arbor nearby, covered with 
fragrant flowers and quantities of sweet peas, which 
were in full bloom, of every shade and hue. Mr. 
Egmont had just gathered a bunch of these flowers, 
and Nelly was pinning them in her corsage when 
the sculptor approached her on his first arrival. 
Mr. Stone had always been accustomed to taking 
the lead in whatever society he chanced to be. But 
to-day he found he had a powerful competitor in 
Hubert, who seemed as fully versed on every sub- 
ject as himself, and, being a much younger man, 
and of a much more attractive appearance, the 
sculptor was thrown more in the shade than he 
relished. 

When they went on to the piazza, he asked Mrs. 
Huntington to take a walk with him. She turned 
and said to her friend : Laura, I hope you and 

Mr. Egmont will accompany us.’^ This chagrined 
Mr. Stone, but he concealed it entirely, as he was a 
man of the world, and had learned to have the 
utmost self-control. They sauntered down towards 
the beach, and, as there was a quiet bay, and a 
little steam yacht in it, he proposed that they 
should take a short sail, which they did, and 
enjoyed very much. But Mr. Stone was very 


THE EGMONT BROTHEKS. 


151 


much disappointed, because Nelly gave him no 
opportunity of saying a private word in her ear. 
On returning, she invited Mr. Stone to enter the 
carriage with her and her friend, if Mr. Egmont 
would be so good as to take the trouble of assum- 
ing the reins, and driving a pair of horses who, she 
was afraid, would require urging. But Hubert, 
being in a particularly good humor, said he would 
with pleasure. 

So Nellyas friend, who was a bright, pretty girl, 
sat in front with him ; but, as Hubert kept his ears 
open, Mr. Stone did not venture anything, but in a 
general way. He saw he had a rival in Egmont, 
but, having been spoiled by a good deal of admira- 
tion, he didn’t doubt for a moment that he could 
distance him in the race without any effort. They 
reached Brighton, and saw the magnificent sunset 
over the water, which called out all the poetry they 
knew, and each one commenced quoting. Here 
Hubert was again superior to his rival, as Mr. 
Stone had a poor memory, and did not care for 
poetry. Nelly had become very fond of fine com- 
positions, and enjoyed Hubert’s exquisite selections. 


152 


THE EGMOKT BROTHERS. 


CHAPTER VIII. 

J\ yiR. STONE requested a private interview of 
I ^ I Mrs. Huntington, and asked her to meet 
him on the verandah, after dinner. She could not 
well refuse, although she feared that he might 
embarass her by some professions of regard, as she 
was aware of his admiration, even while her hus- 
band lived. But, to her great relief, it proved to 
be a matter of business. He told her he wished to 
ask a great favor of her : that he wanted her to 
allow him to make a statue, resembling her — not 
that he ever expected to place all her charms in 
marble, but he would do his best. He said : My 
dear madam, I will present you with the statue, 
when finished, and you surely will allow me to 
duplicate it, for my own gratification, and also to 
have a second copy, as a matter of profit, which I 
know I could sell at a very high price.^^ 

Why, this is a very generous, noble offer, Mr. 
Stone,” said Nelly. And, so delighted was the 
sculptor with her manner, although she had not 
promised him to give him sittings, he was just on 
the point of throwing himself at her feet, and ask- 


THE EGMONT BBOTHERS. 


153 


ing her to bless his life, by becoming his wife, 
when a remark from Nelly made him pause. She 
said : Mr. Stone, I shall have to ask the per- 

mission of Mr. Egmont. I do not know whether 
he will object or not.^^ 

Great heavens ! cried he, what has he to do 
with your acquiescence with my request ? 

Why, Mr. Stone, I must tell you, between our- 
selves, that Mr. Egmont and I are to be married in 
a fortnight, here in Brighton, and I hope you will 
remain and attend the wedding.^^ 

The sculptor was dumbfounded. He had never 
received such a shock in his life. That any woman, 
even as beautiful as Nelly, should decline his offer, 
which he thought an honor to anyone, almost sur- 
passed belief. I^am most profoundly indebted to 
you, madam, for your kind invitation, but I shall 
be compelled to leave Brighton to-morrow. My 
intention was to remain a short time only, as I 
have numerous engagements on the other side of 
the Channel.^^ So, after a very formal farewell, he 
vanished, showing much chagrin in his counte- 
nance, usually so well guarded. 

The wedding day having arrived, quite a numer- 
ous company assembled in the parlor of the hotel, 


154 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


and many of them accompanied the bridal party, 
to the principal church in Brighton, to see the 
marriage ceremony of one of the most brilliant 
women of the day, in beauty and attractions, and 
that of a man distinguished for talent and success 
in life. Nelly was attired in a silver grey brocade, 
with superb ornaments, and a veil, which was the 
gift of her friend Agnes, which reached down to 
the end of her long train. Two little girls strewed 
roses up the aisle, in advance of the bride, who was 
on her brother’s arm. Her jewels, as well as her 
looks, were the admiration and the talk of all who 
beheld them. The necklace of pearls, with a dia- 
mond pendant, was the gift of her artist friends, 
united. The pearl bracelets, with diamond clasps, 
were sent by the sculptor, which was rather mag- 
nanimous in him. The small diamond tiara was 
the gift of the groom, and Mr. Sommerville had 
sent Bob a check for $1,000, to invest in whatever 
Nelly preferred. There were a great many people 
present, who were handsomely dressed, and, as the 
day was bright, all went merry as a marriage 
bell.” 

Hubert wished this wedding to be in this style, 
as he thought his queenly wife should have nuptials 


THE EGMONT BROTHEKS. 


155 


worthy of her. What a contrast it was to the first 
simple wedding, when Nelly was but a country 
maiden ! But the same sterling qualities of heart 
remained, though the mind had acquired informa- 
tion and mental qualities of inestimable value. 

When Mr. Stone was at Brighton, he had begged 
Nelly to come to Paris, when she was ready to have 
her statue begun ; but she had told him that she 
never could visit that city again — its associations 
were too painful. But he could appoint any other 
place in France, that would be a pleasant residence, 
and she would join him a fortnight after her 
marriage. 

Among the elegant gifts she received, was a very 
fine dressing-case, with gold and malachite fittings, 
which Rob and Gertrude had delighted themselves in 
presenting her. She kissed Gertrude, when she left 
her, and her brother, and said some gracious things 
to her; but, with the kiss she bestowed on Rob, she 
gave him a pinch, and told him he was an extrava- 
gant boy — that such a dressing-case was fit for a 
countess, for Nelly still loved simplicity, and, like 
the little bird in the story, did not care to be too fine. 

When Nelly had consulted Mr. Egmont, before 
her marriage, about the statue, they had been walk- 


156 


THE EGMONT BEOTHERS. 


ing in the suburbs of Brighton. She proposed 
taking a seat, and opened the subject to him. I 
have something to tell you, about which I want 
your views, and also to consult you in regard to it. 
Now, promise me to speak sincerely, and give me 
your own opinion, and not think what I would 
wish. To tell the truth, I do not yet know what I 
do wish, and would be guided almost entirely by 
your express desire.^^ 

^^Well, Nelly, what can it be, that requires so 
long a preamble ? 

Nothing less, Mr. Egmont, than that Mr. Stone 
wishes to make an image of me in marble.^^ 

Why should he not, my beautiful girl ? Your 
form should be copied, and placed in a distinguished 
position. Of course accede, if the demand the artist 
makes is not exorbitant.^^ 

On the contrary, his offer is most generous, for, 
if he is permitted to duplicate it, he makes me a 
gift of the first one.’^ 

What a fortunate man am I, to have his 
beloved carved in enduring marble, by one of, if 
not the first, sculptor now living. Why, Nelly, 
you will be the envy of all the women in France 
and America.^^ 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


157 


How very much was Nelly struck with the 
different way in which this man of noble nature 
took the similar proposal to that which had been 
made to Guy Huntington ! This one rejoiced in 
her preeminence, whilst Guy only thought of it as 
how it would affect him. Nelly said : /‘You know, 
Hubert, after I am your wife, you can always be 
with me when I am posing, which will make it so 
much more agreeable and comfortable for me. 
However, it may be to you not so much so.^^ 

When left to herself at last, Nelly could not help 
thinking of her first marriage with the lover of her 
less thoughtful and more youthful years. He was 
also a man very attractive, on a natural plan ; but 
her present husband was of higher principles, 
broader intellect, and deeper feeling. He had also 
inspiration of a better sort than the painter had, for 
his was for fame to himself, but this one’s was for 
the betterment of all humanity. The expression of 
the faces of the two men were so different. 

Among the wedding presents was a gold heart 
from Horace, attached to a ribbon, enclosed in a 
beautiful white pearl prayer-book, for which it was 
intended as marker. 

Whilst all this joy and happiness are taking the 
attention of our friends in Europe, we must ask. 


158 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


how are the pair of deserted friends passing their 
time in their once — to them — happy neighborhood ? 
Agnes at first was literally bewildered. When 
Hubert started to Europe, Nelly had not spoken of 
her intention of going there, and, when Agnes 
heard that they would follow him, she began to 
feel a little solicitude on the subject, but had no 
idea of such rapid and melancholy termination to 
her hopes and expectations. She had seen so much 
of Hubert whilst in Boston, and had hoped that 
she had not only consoled him, but even effaced the 
image of her rival. It required all of her newly- 
acquired religious feelings, as well as the recollec- 
tion of her lifelong affection for her friend, to feel 
just the same towards her. At first it was almost 
impossible. 

Horace had but known only partially of her 
preference for his brother. Now he saw her health 
giving away, and realized what it was that dis- 
tressed her. With his natural kindness, he began 
to try to divert the poor girl, by taking her to 
walk and talking of cheerful things — making a 
great effort, as he felt anything but cheerful him- 
self. The walks became shorter every day, and at 
last her father proposed that she should ride ; but 


THE EGMONT BEOTHERS. 


159 


she really was not strong enough, though Horace 
offered to take charge of the horse. Mr. Somraer- 
ville felt grateful to Horace for his kindness, and 
advised him, as he was looking badly himself, to 
mount the pick of his stables, and take horseback 
exercise. This did benefit Horace, and either morn- 
ing or afternoon he would drive Agnes, and either 
very early in the morning or late in the evening he 
would take a ride. 

He was always pressed to remain either to 
luncheon or to dinner. Mr. Sommerville exerted 
himself, and did everything in his power to interest 
Agnes in the young minister. He knew that she 
had become very much attached to Hubert, and she 
had never quite recovered from the fainting spell 
which she had had when she thought he was lost. 
But, as Nelly had liked Horace, after she became 
interested in Hubert, because he reminded her of 
his brother, so now poor little Agnes was under- 
going the same experience. 

In his generous intention of comforting her for 
her great loss — for he still thought his brother the 
one man in the world — he found that, with his 
great desire to bow to the Will of his Master in 
every sense of the word, and also in his lifelong 


160 


THE EGMONT BKOTHEES. 


affection for his brother, that he was becoming 
more composed and more reconciled ; that the help 
he was giving to his little friend was being returned 
by her, with interest. They could not resist very 
long the sweet temper on one side, and the gentle 
manliness on the other ; so Agnes began to be more 
cheerful, to her father’s great delight, and was 
assuming once more the hues of health. Mr. 
Sommerville, upon reflection, and seeing that his 
daughter was being comforted, thought that her 
large fortune would be even better appropriated, 
and she would be better advised how judiciously to 
expend it, by the minister than by the lawyer, for 
this had been his wish at first. The young couple 
were unconsciously drifting into a state where they 
felt perfectly satisfied with each other, and wished 
no change. 

It must not be forgotten that Nelly had sent 
over from England a young man, who was an 
architect, who wished to come over to America and 
to be able to find some buildings to plan and 
supervise. Her husband had met him accidentally, 
before his marriage, and they had concluded to 
intrust him with the building of their future home 
on the farm, only a few miles from Nelly’s cottage. 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


161 


She had chosen it partly on account of its view, and 
partly because she wanted to be near her brother 
and her friend. She had intended to build a house 
before she had expected to marry again. Mrs. 
Egmont showed her good, practical sense, after 
consultation with her husband, in the plan she had 
adopted and the instructions she had given the 
architect in regard to her dwelling. It was to be 
of a tasteful, but rather plain exterior; but the 
interior was to be as beautiful as was consistent 
with the size and the pretensions of the house. 
There was a niche built into one of the walls of 
the parlor for the reception of her statue, which 
would not be completed until many months after. 
When the year was over, Mr. and Mrs. Egmont 
returned, to find their very comfortable, capacious 
and interiorly beautiful dwelling all ready for 
them. Mr. Sommerville and Agnes had superin- 
tended the arrangement of the furniture, which she 
had retained from the old home, and which had 
been so tastefully repaired and polished as to really 
look better than new. 

She had given her share of the old house to 
Rob, and also the rest of the furniture, which had 
partially belonged to her. As he already owned 
11 


162 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


one-half the place, she made him a gift of the other 
half. She had sent over from England and France 
some very beautiful specimens of tables, chairs, 
bookcases, etc., and brass bedsteads, so that they 
began to feel at home in a few days. They had 
been received by Miss Sommerville and her father, 
for Agnes felt she could stand, with equanimity, 
meeting Hubert and Nelly. As Hubert was totally 
unconscious of the preference with which Agnes had 
regarded him, he felt no embarassment whatever 
at meeting her. 

She had been informed of Nelly’s engagement by 
a letter from Nelly herself, soon after it was first 
contracted, with the injunction not to communicate 
it to a living soul — not even her father or Horace. 
So Agnes had not felt at liberty to speak of it ; but 
Horace had received a letter from Rob, who, not 
realizing the extent of his feeling for Nelly, had 
told him of the whole affair, showing how Hubert 
had nearly died, and that Nelly was compelled, in 
a measure, to go to his rescue, and, as they had all 
thought, she had saved his life ; she was of that 
disposition that could not give by halves, so she 
accepted his life as her own, and gave her faith and 
fortune to him. Rob said that it was a repetition 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


163 


of what had occurred when Nelly saved the life of 
Guy Huntington. So you see, my dear friend/^ 
said Eob, ‘‘ that you will have my dear sister for 
your sister, and I must congratulate you.^^ 

At the time Horace received this letter his 
wounded feelings were very sore, and he felt as 
though Eob were cauterizing him, similar to the 
process in the case of a poisonous bite, which the 
wound resembled in pain and suffering; but this 
excellent man, in his superiority of character which 
consisted somewhat of his true humility, patience, 
and submission to the Supreme Will, turned his 
attention to comforting one, who was as sorely 
smitten as he. He had his reward, for his self- 
abnegation, in seeing Agnes becoming cheerful 
and bright again, and looking to him for pleasure 
and happiness. Providence so often ordains our 
fortunes differently from what we wish at first, but 
proving that a superior wisdom rules the affairs of 
men, and shapes our ends, rough-hew them as 
we will.^^ 

Hubert felt somewhat abashed at meeting his 
brother, but when he saw his face so full of true 
affection for him, and respectful regard for his wife, 
he said to himself: ^^My brother is a saint without 


164 


THE EGMONT BEOTHERS. 


doubt. His power of self-sacrifice is beyond 
belief.^^ Nelly blushed on meeting him, and held 
out both hands which Horace clasped in his, and 
stooping once more gave her a caress, which she 
thought she would always remember, so full of 
sweet forgiveness and true brotherly affection, she 
felt it to be. She said to herself : ‘‘ This goodness 
is certainly above my comprehension.^^ They all 
met on the first evening, after their return, in Rob’s 
pleasant home, where a little baby called Nelly” 
had come to them, and being only a few weeks old 
Gertrude could not yet leave it, so Rob suggested 
they should all meet there instead of at either of 
the other houses. 

After they had all settled down, and Mr. Hubert 
Egmont had been to Boston, to make arrangements 
to close up his law practice (as he intended in the 
future to devote his life to writing books, and even 
poems, perhaps), he was charmed to give up his 
city residence, and live altogether in the country. 
Nelly much preferred the country also, but, of 
course,^hey intended to travel in the States, to see 
the wonders of their own great land, as well as of 
those abroad. They neither of them had yet been 
to Niagara, and they anticipated doing so shortly. 


THE EGMONT BEOTHEES. 


165 


When Hubert inquired of Nelly if she had any 
desire to go very soon, she replied : I must not 
be too indulgent to myself, and run off and leave 
Agnes and your brother to do the part of the church 
work in the neighborhood which rightfully belongs 
to you and to me/’ So the duties towards the 
church, including the choir, assisting Agnes to 
supervise the affairs of the free hospital, and the 
giving of little concerts, for the amusement and 
benefit of the young people about them, took her 
attention. 


CHAPTER IX. 


IME wended away, and Horace and Agnes did 



1 not seem either to draw nearer, nor to drift 
apart. Mr. Sommerville wondered, and at last 
Hubert said: ‘^Horace, wdiat is the impediment 
between you and Agnes? You both seem happy 
when together, and she unhappy when not with you. 
Why don’t you ask her, her wishes and views on 
the subject ? ” 

Now, Hubert, you do not suppose that I have 
the audacity to ask her in marriage, when I only 


166 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


have enough fortune for myself. My dear boy, she 
is the possessor of large wealth. 

^^On that account/^ said Hubert, ^^as it is so 
large, she can share it with you.^’ 

^^But I am not intending to ask her to share 
with me. I can support myself; but if children 
were sent, they would be mine as well as hers, 
and a father ought to be able to support his own 
children. No man has a right to marry without he 
can at least do that. Now Agnes would wish the 
children to have all the indulgences possible, and 
my children could not have them. They would be 
the children of a man in very moderate circum- 
stances.^^ 

O Horace ! exclaimed his brother, you make 
me laugh at your high-strung metaphysics. When 
you marry, her fortune will be partly yours.’^ 

No, never ! I shall make over all right to any 
woman^s money before marriage, be it ever so large, 
or ever so small a sum.^^ 

Well, you intend to let that sweet little Agnes 
pine ii\ solitude, for she never will give her heart 
or life to any one else, my dear brother ; and this 
cruelty will just be on account of your unfortunate 
pride of independence. Yes, it is nothing but pride. 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


167 


which is as insidious as the source of it is, namely, 
Satan himself. What is fortune compared to talent, 
good temper and habits, determination, forbearance, 
charity, and all the other Christian virtues? Do 
you suppose that Agnes would for one moment 
prefer you to possess wealth, instead of all these 
things ? 

But she possesses all these, and wealth besides, 
and it is too unequal and asking too much of her, 
to make the sacrifice of accepting me as a husband 
without a fortune.^^ 

Well, Horace, either your affection is small, 
and your perception even less, if you do not see 
that you are the world to her. You are worse than 
quixotic, and I shall advise Agnes to take a long 
journey, and, perhaps, she will meet some knight- 
errant of a different type from the poor old don.^^ 
When the minister went the next day to ask 
Agnes to drive with him, to his surprise she de- 
clined, and said she was about to ride her horse, 
with her father, to Buxton, to make some arrange- 
ments to leave home for a time, as she thought a 
trip would brighten both her and her father con- 
siderably. You know, Mr. Egmont, that travel 
gives one new experiences and ideas. Do you not 


168 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


think it is growing a little monotonous and tame, 
with the same pursuits and amusements each day, 
here ? 

Oh, I suppose it is, to a woman who is fond of 
adventure and excitement,^^ said he, ^^but as I live 
in the ideal almost always, except when obliged to 
put the ideals in practice, I am never weary. I 
like the quiet, and the time to think and to read, 
which this country life yields.^^ 

Why, you must be a poet,^^ returned she, but 
I hope you will miss me, when I am gone, at 
any rate.’^ 

I certainly shall, and hope you will not remain 
away as long as you have just threatened to do. 
Will you allow me to accompany you to Buxton, as 
I wish for a ride, as you will not drive with me?’^ 
Certainly,^^ rejoined Agnes, I cannot possibly 
object to that.^^ 

Horace was somewhat piqued by her manner, 
but this was the treatment which he needed just 
at this time. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hubert, having had some talk 
with Agnes, had advised her to leave home, to wake 
the dreamer up to the fact that he did consider her 
indispensable to his happiness really, but he was 


THE EGMONT BROTHEBS. 


169 


not willing to admit it. So he would have to learn 
to put his pride — or as he called it, self-respect, — 
behind him. The Egmonts told Agnes and her 
father, that they would follow them, shortly. They 
had concluded to take a trip to California, and as 
the Sommervilles could leave at once, they started 
off in a day or two to rest at one of the larger 
cities on the way to Colorado, where they intended 
stopping over to see the wonders of that most inter- 
esting country, including the mountains, the giant 
trees, the grand canons, and all the curiosities con- 
tained in the far western country. 

When Horace learned that his brother and sister 
Nelly were to follow the Sommervilles, he suddenly 
woke up enough to think it would be a good chance, 
and rather nice, to see these wonders in such good 
company, and he would go as far as Colorado with 
them, as he could take his vacation during what 
months he chose. So, without speaking of his 
intention, on the morning the rest were to leave, 
they found a trunk marked Horace Egmont,^^ 
on the platform awaiting the arrival of the train. 
A very short time before the train was due, the 
Reverend Horace made his appearance, looking a 
little conscious and embarassed. Although Hubert 


170 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


felt very much tempted to rally him on the subject, 
he refrained, as he thought that as he had deprived 
him of one woman, he would do his best to help 
him to another. Horace was evidently afraid of 
his teasing, after all that had passed between them, 
and felt grateful to him for his consideration. 
thought it a good chance to see what you are to 
see, and in good company.’^ Hubert glanced at 
Nelly, and she looked at the hitherto unconscious 
student, but who was now becoming more alert 
to passing events, for which they were very glad, 
as they feared his becoming more and more absent- 
minded each year of his life. 

When the married pair were alone together, 
Nelly said; ^^We must endeavor to make him 
give a natural vent to his very kind and deeply 
affectionate feelings, and take to himself this dear 
girl, who will make him as happy as a dreamer 
can be when out of his visions, and make her 
supremely so.^^ They were really quite nonplussed 
to know what step to take next, as Agnes was 
beginning to be less complaisant and receptive in 
her manner. She would make little remarks which 
would cause the minister to open wide his hand- 
some eyes, and gaze at her as though she were 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


171 


somebody else. He seemed interested in this new 
phase of her character, but it did not seem to occur 
to him that he was the cause of it. So a provi- 
dential accident came to the assistance of the 
schemers. 

There was a collision on the road, at a place 
where Agnes and her father had gone the day 
previously, as Mr. Sommerville wished to see a 
little more of the country on either side of the 
road; and, as the rest of the party did not wish 
to accompany them, they remained over a day or 
two at the little town they had reached. Hubert 
contrived to make it appear that Agnes was 
severely wounded, and, when Horace was told of 
it, he could no longer conceal his feelings for her, 
and showed great emotion and great haste to reach 
the spot of the accident. 

Upon leaving their train, Nelly was almost sorry 
to see that Agnes was well enough to be helping 
others. She had been hurt, but not enough to 
disable her, although many girls, under the cir- 
cumstances, would have thought only of them- 
selves; but, as she belonged to the Helping-Hand 
Club, her motto was to aid others in need whenever 
she possibly could. Hubert cried out : Horace, 


m 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


go in and help her to wait on those poor sufferers. 
Nelly and I are going on to the next car.’^ 

When Agnes came to the door of the car, Horace 
was so relieved to find she was not seriously injured, 
that he just took her up in his arras, and carried 
her away under the trees ; and there, giving way to 
his feelings, he shed tears of joy. He had been 
using so much self-restraint, and his affection had 
been so repelled by his pride, that now he just gave 
way all at once, as his love had gotten the better of 
his pride. He told Agnes that he had been per- 
fectly wretched, and he wished and hoped that she 
would be so good as to promise at once that she 
would take him for better or for worse. 

Now that he had begun, Agnes thought he was 
in entirely too much of a hurry, and wished to 
moderate his ardor; but she found it impossible, 
and had to promise not only to take him, but to 
take him very soon — even before their journey was 
concluded. He declared the very thing to make a 
pleasant wedding journey would be to proceed to 
California. If they will allow me to arrange the 
party, I will induce my brother and his wife, and 
your father, to return to Englewood and its neigh- 
borhood, to take charge of things there, and get a 


THE EGMONT BKOTHEKS. 


173 


substitute for me in my pulpit for several months ; 
and, after we go back, they can take their trip to 
California when it suits them/^ 

^^You are a very good organizer/^ said Agnes, 
laughingly ; but do you think that all the others 
will be as pleased with the arrangement as you and 
I are? I think my father would consent readily, 
as he would be decidedly de trop with us on this 
occasion ; and I think he might, with the assistance 
of a substitute in your place, manage for a couple 
of months or so, without depriving Nelly and 
Hubert of their intended trip. This part of the 
journey, although it has been rather interesting to 
them, and uncommonly so to us, may not satisfy 
them, and they may wish to go farther.” 

Horace had still a little natural selfishness about 
him — as who has not? — and wished to have the 
attention of his sweet little wife undivided; but 
Agnes, in her superior wisdom, knew that a friend 
on such a long journey would be a pleasant change 
to each of them. Though about the same age as 
Horace, she had quicker perception, more observa- 
tion, and had seen more of the world and life. 
Her sojourn in Europe had taught her a great deal. 
All her actions now were dictated not only by 


174 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


womanly wisdom, but that which she had gained 
in the world, which is called common sense, and 
which is much rarer than one might suppose. 

Mr. Sommerville was consulted, and entered into 
the views of Agnes with the kindest interest. He 
said, Certainly he would have to return, and he 
and some other minister, assisted by Rob and his 
wife, could manage everything.^^ This devoted 
father was so gratified and pleased, that his dear 
little daughter should at last find so good a pro- 
tector and so fine a man as her husband. He had 
felt rather solicitous at the idea of his dying, and 
leaving her comparatively alone in the world, with 
no near relative on either side of the water; and, 
although he knew that the Egmonts and Rob and 
his wife would always be fast aud firm friends, yet 
he wished her to marry, and have objects for her 
pure and bright affections to centre upon especially. 

But he said : Why, Agnes ! no wedding, no 

trousseau, no cake, no festivities for all your 
friends ? Is this the way that my only child, and 
the popular Miss Sommerville, mistress of a large 
fortune and estates in England, should give herself 
away on the road — as one may say, without any 
preparation whatever ? 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


175 


my dear father, my wardrobe is always 
sufficient for all contingencies, or whatever may 
happen. I can send for all I need, and have my 
maid to come out and travel with me. Horace and 
I both agree in disliking all parade, and really 
prefer this simple and quiet way of being united to 
each other. We can, on our return home, if suit- 
able, and we wish it, give our friends and the 
neighborhood all the festive enjoyment which they 
could expect. I know such great happiness will 
follow our union, that I should hope to have my 
friends enjoy some of it with us. Mr. Horace 
Egmont is a man who is full of charity and good 
will for all, and I shall try to follow in his foot- 
steps.^^ 

My dear child, I think you will walk abreast 
with him there, for very few could show more love 
to God and charity to the neighbor.^^ 

Agnes was very much touched by her father’s 
unselfish goodness. Few men would have relin- 
quished their claim on her affections as did Mr. 
Sommerville. So Agnes said : Dear papa, I am 

not surprised at the way in which you treat your 
little daughter, and it only serves to make my love 
more devoted to you than ever ; and you shall gain 


176 


THE EGMONT BROTHEKS. 


a son, and not lose your daughter, for, as long as 
we live, I shall claim you as an inmate of the 
house in which we dwell/^ 

So, when they reached a large town, they 
remained to rest over a day or two after all this 
excitement, and then proceeded to Colorado, where 
they visited the wonders of the world ; and, in a 
town in Colorado, they were married in a small 
church, simply and quietly. Beside the party who 
accompanied her, were two or three travellers, with 
whom they had become acquainted, whom they 
asked to witness the ceremony ; and these were all 
that were present at our minister’s wedding. It 
was all conducted just as he wished it to be, 
thereby avoiding publicity and etiquette, which was 
always wearisome to him. 

So the heiress was married off as any village 
maiden might have been, and it was entirely to 
her own satisfaction, for, like all good women who 
really love, their own pleasure is secondary to 
others, and, if only the lords of creation are con- 
tented, they generally are, and if not, try to be so 
at least. I suppose this is the best way,” said 
Nelly, ^Ho satisfy our liege lords, and make them 
think, at any rate, that we are happy, if they are.” 


THE EGMONT BEOTHERS. 


177 


Nelly could joke now about matrimony, for the 
man whom she had married appreciated her and 
her affection fully, and continued his great devotion 
to her without any cessation, and she felt secure in 
Hubert^s good sense, as well as in his constancy. 

So they continued their trip to California, where 
Nelly and her husband remained over a month, 
leaving the newly-married couple to remain several 
weeks longer, they having met some very pleasant 
people of leisure and cultivation, who were travel- 
ling through this delightful and most beautiful 
State, and expected to remain some time. They 
had invited the Egmonts to join them, and Horace 
and Agnes had accepted with very much pleasure. 

When Hubert and Nelly returned to their home, 
a dear little girl was sent to her. It was a very 
healthy, beautiful child, and Nelly’s cup of happi- 
ness was now running over. Hubert was not as 
devoted to children as she was, except in the 
abstract. He never had been accustomed to them, 
and thought, at first, that Nelly’s time and atten- 
tion might be too much absorbed to give him as 
much of them as he had been accustomed to, for 
she had a way of spoiling everyone whom she loved 
by her great attention to them. So Mr. Hubert 
12 


178 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


had a good lesson now before him to learn, which 
is generally found very salutary. 

But Nelly was not devoid of true wisdom, so she 
did not indulge herself, as much as she would have 
liked to, in holding her darling baby in her arms. 
She knew that, while it was so young, yet it would 
know no difference between a nurse of gentle ways 
and its own mother. So she refrained from making 
an idol of it at once. She knew, as it grew older, 
and began to recognize and respond, that its father 
would feel as much interest and affection for it as 
she did herself. So this sweet-tempered, good- 
hearted woman, brave through unselfishness, steered 
her little bark of life through the breakers and the 
rocks of matrimony safely and gracefully, which, 
by other conduct, she, like many others, might 
have foundered her boat among the rocks and 
shoals. She had wished for a child during her first 
marriage, but only now her wish was granted and 
her happiness complete. 

To return to the bride and the minister. The 
Reverend Horace and his wife, after a most delight- 
'ful tour, and great improvement in the health of 
both, at last reached home safely, very anxious to 
see Nellyas little baby, for the whole family were 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


179 


perfectly delighted at her having received what she 
had always craved so much. Her brother Kob was 
very hilarious on the occasion, and claimed the 
right to be godfather. Sister mine, what do you 
intend to call this wonderful youngster? I have 
always thought, if I ever had a daughter, I should 
like to give her the name of my grandmother, who, 
they say, I closely resemble. Her name was Ethel, 
and, as the baby^s father prefers the name of Linda, 
I shall join the names, and she shall be called 
Ethelinda, which sounds very well with Egmont.^^ 

Agnes had rather expected that the child would 
be named for her, but Nelly and Hubert both pre- 
ferred family names. When Nelly mentioned the 
subject to him, as she feared Agnes felt a little 
disappointed, he said : Oh, Nelly, as you are so 

fond of babies and children, you can name your 
third child, who shall be a little girl, after your 
friend. I intend the second one shall be a boy,^^ 
said Hubert, mischievously. 

It was rather amusing to see the child^s uncle 
Horace pick the mite up, and treat it just as he 
would his own little kitten, which Nelly didn^t 
altogether like, and rescued it as soon as she pos- 
sibly could. 


180 


THE EGMONT BKOTHEKS. 


CHAPTER X. 

# 

N O one in the whole party was more pleased 
than good Mr. Sommerville, who proposed 
that the minister should christen the baby at his 
house, where they should have an enormous cake, 
and invite the neighborhood to witness the cere- 
mony. By the by, Agnes,^^ said Nelly, after 
pleasantly accepting Mr. Sommerville’s offer, when 
are you and Horace to have your wedding party ? 
I think it is about time, or else folks will forget 
that you are a bride and groom. 

After the christening party is gone over,’^ said 
Agnes, we shall certainly begin to make arrange- 
ments for ours, which my father wishes to be quite 
extensive, and intends to invite some of his and 
Mr. Egmont’s, and even his brother Hubert^s, 
friends from Boston, and even from as far away as 
New York is. He says he can engage rooms in 
the hotel at Buxton and erect tents on the grounds, 
and cadf into requisition the houses of Rob and 
Nelly to accommodate the numerous concourse of 
people. Father’s heart is so large, he would take 
in the whole world, if he could. He says that 


THE EGMONT BROTHEKS. 


181 


Providence has been so bountiful to us, that vve 
should share His bounty with others; and, as he 
expects to have a good many of the more humble 
classes to spend the day at least, I join with him in 
this pleasant and really benevolent undertaking. 
To even try to make other people happy, is a 
happiness in itself.” 

Hubert and Kob were delighted when they heard 
of the good old man’s intention, and promised to do 
all in their power to second his wishes. Rob had a 
good many friends among the young fishermen, and 
Stephen Green, his old friend, and Nelly’s admirer, 
would, he knew, give his services in so good a 
cause. As Rob’s baby had never been baptized, the 
sister and brother thought it would be pleasant to 
have them baptized at the same time. 

The eventful day having arrived, the people 
began to assemble before dark, in order to enjoy 
the beautiful grounds by daylight. The trees were 
hung with lanterns, and every pains were taken to 
make the occasion a success. In a marquee on the 
lawn tea, coffee, chocolate and sandwiches were dis- 
pensed, and Horace, having assumed his robes, was 
already standing in the large saloon when Nelly 
and Gertrude arrived in one carriage, with their 


182 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


babies on their laps, being followed by Rob’s car- 
riage, with the two fathers and the two nurses. 
The children were looking very sweet in their fresh 
lace caps, embroidered white cloaks and lovely 
frocks; and Rob, taking one, and Hubert the other, 
carried them into the hall, where they exchanged 
infants, to act as godfathers on the occasion. Agnes 
was the godmother of Nelly’s child, and two friends 
of Gertrude’s, who were present to witness the cere- 
mony, volunteered, either of them, their services as 
godmother for Gertrude’s baby. Horace performed 
the interesting ceremony with dignity and feeling. 
The children’s parents also showed much emotion at 
this solemn rite, which exacts such serious promises. 

Mrs. Horace had furnished a very large cake, in 
which were placed two valuable rings, and the 
young people were invited to try their luck ; and, 
consequently, this large, elegant cake was much 
more crumbled and wasted than it was eaten. Ger- 
trude got a slice in which was one ring, and her 
friend, who served as godmother to her child, was 
lucky enough to get the other. Gertrude felt dis- 
posed to give hers away, but Agnes advised her to 
keep it for her little girl until she was large enough 
to wear it, as it would be more valuable to her than 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


183 


to anyoDe else, as it had been in her christening 
cake. 

So now Agnes was relieved, and at liberty to 
think of the larger and more important entertain- 
ment, which she hoped to make a great success, to 
gratify her father’s wishes. 

A few days after the christening party, Nelly’s 
statue arrived. It was a splendid work of art, the 
marble without a flaw, and of the purest color. 
The niche in the parlor was all ready for it, having 
been draped with seagreen velvet, and a curtain of 
the same provided to protect it from the dust. The 
likeness was most happily caught by the artist, the 
pose very graceful, her head raised a little, to show 
the contour of her beautiful chin and throat, one 
hand hanging beside her, and the other raised, as 
though invoking the aid of a supreme power. The 
expression of the whole figure was serious, though 
not sad, indicating the state of mind in which she 
was when the sculptor took the measurement. It 
was just after her marriage, and, though she was 
extremely happy, she had realized that she was 
making another venture into a sea where, with the 
best of husbands to protect her, she knew trouble 
could still come in the death of loved ones. So 


184 


THE EGMONT BROTHERS. 


great was her affection for Hubert, that solicitude 
was mixed with happiness. 

The artist had caught the expression which really 
belonged to her at this time, showing his great 
power of feeling the internal state of his model. 
Agnes proposed that Nelly should not allow the 
statue to be seen, outside of the family, until the 
day of Mr. Sommerville^s fete. Then he would 
have it transported and placed in a conspicuous 
position, so that everyone who attended the fete 
should have the privilege of beholding this perfect 
gem of art. .Two very fine bands — one from Bos- 
ton, of brass, and one from Portland, of stringed 
instruments — were engaged for the occasion. There 
were dancing floors erected on the lawn ; also tents 
and marquees. 

Before leaving France, Mr. and Mrs. Egmont 
had had a parting interview with Mr. Stone, the 
artist. Hubert expressed his thanks for, and 
appreciation of, his work, and the artist had 
rejoined : I accept your congratulations with 

pleasure,^but allow me to congratulate you on the 
possession of the original, whom I consider not 
only one of the most beautiful of women, but also 
one of the most perfect in every other respect.^^ 


THE EGMONT BKOTHEES. 


185 


Hubert had offered the artist a check for a 
thousand pounds, which he had positively declined. 
He said : You may remember, Mr. Egmont, that 
I have one statue in my possession, with which I 
never intend to part during my life, and which I 
shall leave to some art institute at my death, as 
being adapted to furnish a beautiful model for 
those wishing to follow the same line of art. The 
third, your wife most generously permitted me to 
part with, for a compensation which will defray the 
expense of all the material used, and the rest I cor- 
dially give as a token of high esteem and regard 
for you, sir, and your wife.^^ With a graceful bow, 
the artist took his departure after this conciliating 
speech. 

All the distinguished people whom Mr. Som- 
merville had invited from the different cities for- 
tunately reached their destinations in good time. 
The young people, to judge by appearances, enjoyed 
the numerous opportunities for recreation. The 
bands discoursing lively music, and many tripping 
on the light, fantastic toe. 

The rosy hues of early dawn commenced stealing 
over the tops of the hills before the carriages, which 
had been waiting for hours, were filled up, and all 


186 


THE EGMONT BKOTHERS. 


the revellers, after declaring they had had the best 
time, most of them said, that they had ever had in 
their lives before, entered the coaches and departed. 

And so ends this story, leaving all the characters, 
we hope, in a fair way not only of happiness to 
themselves, but the ability to confer it on others. 










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